Women's tennis upends Bryant 7-0

09/19/08 - The University of Rhode Island Rams proved they were too much to handle for Bryant University, improving to 2-0 with the victory.All members of the team contributed to the win, where the Rams won all six singles matches and all three doubles matches.

Freshmen twins Kirsten and Tristany Leikem, who stand as the team's No. 1 doubles pair, won their doubles match 8-5.

Freshman Pam Emery and junior Amanda Barletta teamed up to win their No. 2 match 8-1. Sophomores Christen Cadigan and Brooke Hoover, URI's No. 3 team, handled the opposition in an 8-2 victory.

The singles players for the Rams all won their matches in straight sets.

"Bryant had four solid players; they had our girls in pretty decent matches," head coach Sandy Wood said. "Our kids just took over, they closed really well."

No. 1 singles player Pam Emery won her match 6-3, 6-2. Tristany Leikem was victorious at No. 2, winning 6-3, 6-3. Kirsten Leikem played well to win her No. 3 match 6-4, 6-0. Christen Cadigan, at No. 4, defeated her opponent 6-2, 6-2. No. 5 Amanda Barletta defeated her opponent with an impressive 6-0, 6-0 victory. Brooke Hoover completed the team's sweep with her 6-0, 6-1 victory in the No. 6 game.

"The match was much closer than the score indicated. All four of our players played really well. Pam Emry played extremely well against a very talented player," said Wood.

The Rams continue play this weekend, when they will participate in the Quinnipiac Invitational. The tournament will feature Fairfield University, University of Connecticut, Seton Hall University, Army, Bryant University and University of Maryland Baltimore County.

"It will be a great opportunity for all eight girls to play. I'll learn a lot this weekend," said Wood.