SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Rhode Island dropped its fourth straight match, falling to in-state rival Bryant for the first time, 4-1, Thursday.

The Rams (5-13) got off to a strong start by winning the doubles point. Freshmen Nikki Fernando and Priyanka Shanker teamed up for a 6-2 win at No. 3 doubles. Freshman Sophie Herrman and junior Valentina Cvackova paired up for a 6-4 win at No. 1 doubles to clinch the point and give URI a 1-0 lead.

From there, it was all Bryant (8-7). The Bulldogs got straight set wins at No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5 singles to get within one point of the victory. Rhody's Fernando put up a fight against Olivia Rondini at No. 4 singles, but Rondini held out for the 6-4, 1-6, 6-0 win.

Herrman was leading her match at No. 1 singled over Sarah Hickey, 7-5, 3-2, but the match was halted before completion. At No. 6 singles, Priyanka Shanker was locked in a battle against Bryant's Lisa Maria Dugec, trailing 5-7, 6-3, 2-0 when play was stopped.

Rhode Island is back in action Saturday when it travels to Fordham for an Atlantic 10 match. Play begins at 1 p.m.
 

Doubles
Sophie Herrman/Valentina Cvackova (URI) def. Manuela Gomez Estrada/Camila Baeza; 6-4
Olivia Rondini/Caitlyn Munson (BRY) vs. Nadia Rajan/Paulina Loredo; 5-4, unfinished
Nikki Fernando/Priyanka Shanker (URI) def. Sarah Hickey/Natalia Vela; 6-2

Singles
Sarah Hickey (BRY) vs. Sophie Herrman; 5-7, 2-3, unfinished
Natalia Vela (BRY) def. Valentina Cvackova; 6-3, 6-1
Caitlyn Munson (BRY) def. Nadia Rajan; 6-2, 6-1
Olivia Rondini (BRY) def. Nikki Fernando; 6-4, 1-6, 6-0
Camila Baeza (BRY) def. Paulina Loredo; 6-0, 6-3
Lisa Marie Dugec (BRY) vs. Priyanka Shanker; 5-7, 6-3, 2-0, unfinished