WEST WINDSOR, N.J. ? The Monmouth University women's tennis team ended the spring season on a winning note as they defeated Saint Francis (Pa.), 4-2, in the consolation bracket of the NEC Championships in West Windsor, N.J. Sixth-seeded MU shook off a difficult quarterfinal loss the morning before to post three singles points, and the deciding doubles point, over the seventh-seeded Red Flash en route to a share of fifth place NEC finish with Mount St. Mary's.
Opening up scoring on the afternoon for the Hawks was freshman Jessica Slinger (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) who posted a vital comeback in third singles defeating St. Francis' Sarver, 3-6, 6-3, 10-8 in a three set thriller. Sophomore Katie Tierney (Berkeley Heights, N.J./Governor Livingston) followed Slinger's lead, cruising to a 6-0, 6-4 win at fourth singles over the Red Flash's Zalewski.
Tallying on the ultra-important third point for MU, senior Kelly Friedrich (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) pushed the score into Monmouth's advantage after her 6-1, 6-2 sixth singles triumph over St. Francis' Ranchod.
The Hawks took both first and second doubles matches, sealing their final victory of the season. The duo of seniors Sarah Ragan (Lanoka Harbor, N.J./Lacey Township) and Kaitlin Gallagher (North Haledon, N.J./Immaculate Heart Academy) ended their solid careers with an 8-1 win at first doubles while the pair of Slinger and junior Diane Washer (Ogdensburg, N.J./Wallkill Valley Regional) teamed up for an 8-5 victory at second doubles.
Leading the Hawks throughout the season was Slinger, whose 12 singles wins paced all MU singles players. The first doubles duo of Ragan and Gallagher led the Blue and White with seven wins on the season.
