Box Score

TRUMBULL, Conn. - Rhode Island picked up its first victory of the season, winning four singles matches as well as the doubles point for a 5-2 win at Fairfield Saturday night.

It was a highly competitive match, as four of the six singles matches went to three sets. The Rams (1-1) won three of the four three-set matches to grind out the win.

"Fairfield came out very aggressive today out of the gate," Rhode Island head coach Jonas Brobeck said. "I am proud of the team for weathering the storm, fighting back, and turning matches around. This is exactly what we needed, a physical match like this. We are looking forward to another battle tomorrow with Sacred Heart."

Nikki Fernando and Kajsa Helgesen each won in singles play, and they also teamed up for a victory at No. 1 doubles to spark the Rams. Fernando rallied at No. 1 singles after dropping the first set against Victoria Mandma, 6-0. Fernando stormed back, taking the second set 6-2 and the third 6-1.

Similarly at No. 5 singles, Helgesen was down a set after Nicolette Loeffler took the first frame, 6-3. Helgesen won the second set in a battle, 6-4, before clinching the win with a 6-3 score in the third.

Anastasia Pettersson rallied from down a set at No. 4 singles against Lily Malinowski. Malinowski won the opener 6-4 before Pettersson took the next two sets, 6-1 and 6-4.

Earning her first career victory for Rhode Island was Miruna Scarlat. Playing at No. 6 singles, she beat Maeve Cassidy in straight sets. Clinching the doubles point for Rhody was the No. 3 team of Sophie Herrman and Ava Grnja, who won their match 7-5.

Rhode Island stays in Connecticut to play Sacred Heart Sunday evening at 5:15 p.m.


Rhode Island 5, Fairfield 2
Doubles
Fernando/Helgesen (URI) def. Mandma/Gell; 6-1
Harris/Liu (Fair) def. Darcy/Pettersson; 6-1
Herrman/Grnja (URI) def. Harding/Neyestani; 7-5

Singles
Nikki Fernando (URI) def. Victoria Mandma; 0-6, 6-2, 6-1
Sophia Harris (Fair) def. Grace Darcy; 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5
Regina Herrara (Fair) def. Sophie Herrman; 7-6 (2), 6-2
Anastasia Pettersson (URI) def. Lily Malinowski; 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
Kajsa Helgesen (URI) def. Nicolette Loeffler; 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
Miruna Scarlat (URI) def. Maeve Cassidy; 6-3, 6-2