OCEAN, N.J. ? Monmouth women's tennis dropped a non-conference match with the New Jersey Institute of Technology, 5-2 on a chilly Tuesday afternoon at Firemen's Field Courts in Ocean, N.J. Bringing in only five players, the Highlanders took the first four singles matches and first and second doubles to seal the victory for the Highlanders.

The Hawks opened the match with two tough, close losses with senior Sarah Ragan (Lanoka Harbor, N.J./Lacey Township) losing 6-0, 6-3 at first singles to NJIT's Iulia Doci and fellow senior Kaitlin Gallagher (North Haledon, N.J./Immaculate Heart Academy) falling in a close second singles match 6-3, 6-4 to Ana Lidon.

Freshman Britney Dupuis (Freehold, N.J./Colts Neck) took the 1-0 default victory for the Hawks at fifth singles, keeping her overall singles record at 5-4 on the season. Sophomore Kelly Friedrich (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) completed an undefeated week, taking the sixth singles forfeit ? as NJIT has only five players on their roster - from the Highlanders.

Monmouth fell in doubles action, dropping back-to-back games to NJIT, 8-2 and 8-1. Friedrich and sophomore Katie Tierney (Berkeley Heights, N.J./Governor Livingston) took the third singles forfeit for the Hawks.

Friedrich continues to lead the Hawks, as she is riding a season-high five game win streak in singles action.

Women's tennis returns to the courts this weekend, October 11-12th, as they travel to Drew University for the NJAIAW Tournament, with match time slated at 9:00 a.m.