STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. ? The Monmouth University women's tennis team soundly defeated conference rival, Wagner Seahawks, 6-1, on Saturday afternoon in Staten Island, N.Y. After producing only one point in its last two matchups, the Hawks broke out of their slump and posted a nearly flawless victory over the Seahawks, dropping only first singles on their way to a much needed win.

Opening up scoring for the Blue and White was senior Kaitlin Gallagher (North Haledon, N.J./Immaculate Heart Academy) who scored a sound win at second singles over the Seahawks' Emily Boyd, 6-0, 6-0. Freshman Jessica Slinger (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) was victorious for MU at third singles, beating Wagner's Britta Olsen, 6-0, 6-4, while sophomore Katie Tierney (Berkeley Heights, N.J./Governor Livingston) retired the Seahawks' Svetlana Chirokikh, 6-1, 6-3.

Junior Diane Washer (Ogdensberg, N.J./Wallkill Valley Regional) put away her first set, 6-0, than eeked out a 7-5 second set tie-breaker to earn a point for the Hawks at fifth singles. Round out scoring for the Hawks was freshman Britney Dupuis (Freehold, N.J./Colts Neck), who currently leads the team with a 2-1 singles record in the spring season, as she tacked on a sixth singles flawless 6-0, 6-0, triumph.

The Hawks produced three straight victories in doubles action to give Monmouth its sixth, and final, point of the afternoon. The first doubles duo of Gallagher and senior Sarah Ragan (Lanoka Harbor, N.J./Lacey Township) opened up action with an 8-0 win while the Tierney and senior Kristen Hoffman (Flemington, N.J./Hunterdon Central) pair followed with an identical 8-0 victory at third singles.

Monmouth's success moves Coach Patrice Murray's squad to 4-12 overall while Wagner falls to 1-10 on the season. The Hawks now post a 4-2 NEC conference record, currently giving MU the most wins within conference play.

The Hawks returned to the courts this afternoon, taking on NEC opponent, Mount St. Mary's with the final results pending.