KINGSTON, R.I. – In its final regular-season match before the Atlantic 10 Championship, Rhode Island fell 4-2 in a tightly-contested battle with conference power Massachusetts Saturday.

The Rams (14-5, 3-2 A-10) got victories from Katharina Spieth and Nikki Fernando at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively. Fernando recorded the 50th singles win over her career when she defeated Ella Faessler by matching 6-3, 6-3 scores. Spieth knocked off Mariana Campino in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.

Spieth and Fernando also teamed up for a win at No. 1 doubles, though UMass (11-6, 4-0 A-10) took the doubles point.

"It was a tough battle today with UMass," Rhode Island head coach Jonas Brobeck said. "Congratulations to them. They handled the big moments throughout the match a bit better than us. The best way to prepare for the conference tournament is getting these quality matches. We know what we are capable of as a team, and we are excited to see bring it out next week down in Orlando!"

Before the match, the team honored senior Klara Nelander, who played at the URI Tennis Complex for the final time in her career. Nelander has helped URI win 28 matches over the last two seasons, just the second time that has happened in program history. She currently ranks 11th in URI history with 41 singles wins and seventh in doubles wins with 39.

"We had a beautiful senior celebration before the match for our lone senior, Klara Nelander," Rhode Island Brobeck said. "We are so thankful for everything she has done for this program over the last four years. We can't wait to see her compete again in Orlando!"

Rhode Island will compete at the Atlantic 10 Championship in Lake Nona, Fla. beginning Thursday, April 24. The conference will announce the team seedings early next week.

Massachusetts 4, Rhode Island 2
Singles
Katharina Spieth (URI) def. Mariana Campino (UMASS); 7-5, 6-4
Nikki Fernando (UMASS) def. Ella Faessler (UMASS); 6-3, 6-3
Belle Jonglertrakul (UMASS) def. Sophie Herrman URI); 6-2, 6-1
Amelia Tye (UMASS) def. Grace Darcy (URI); 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
Martina Pavissich (UMASS) DNF vs. Anastasia Pettersson (URI); 5-7, 6-4, 3-2 DNF
Trinity Calinescu (UMASS) def. Steph Hylton (URI); 6-4, 6-3

Doubles
Nikki Fernando/Katharina Spieth (URI) def. Mariana Campino/Belle Jonglertrakul (URI); 7-6 (3)
Ella Faessler/Amelia Tye (UMASS) def. Grace Darcy/Anastasia Pettersson (URI); 7-5
Martina Pavissich/Trinity Calinescu (UMASS) def. Klara Nelander/Sophie Herrman (URI); 7-5