RESULTS
WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Bryant University women's tennis battled through the elements over the weekend, participating in the Army Invitational in West Point, N.Y. on Sept. 23-24.
The Bulldogs were led by sophomore May Vickers (Montrose Colo.), who posted a 3-1 record in singles play during the tournament. The Colorado native raced out to a resounding victory over Albany's Rachel Drake, taking the match by a score of 6-2; 6-1, in Friday night's first round.
Mother Nature had a say in the remainder of the tournament, as all participants had to work around the indoor facility's maximum capacity, resulting in a change in the tournament's format after the first round. The second round of singles on Friday night used pro-set scoring, but Vickers was not deterred. The sophomore moved on to defeat conference foe Kristina Chao of Sacred Heart, dominating the match in an 8-0 victory.
That win moved her into the quarterfinals of her flight, where she picked up a hard fought 6-3; 6-7 (5); 10-8 victory over Seton Hall's Madison Shoemaker to move into the semifinals. After a strong showing in the first three rounds, Vickers received her only loss of the tournament, losing to Pittsburgh's Taylor Washington, dropping a close 3-6; 6-2; 10-4 decision.
Sophomore Marcela Brandao (Santo Andre, Brazil) opened up the tournament for the Bulldogs with a win over Bowdoin's Sasanna Howard, picking up a clean sweep victory, 6-0; 6-0. She was not done there, though, as she moved on to the quarterfinals with a thrilling, come-from-behind victory over conference rival Quinnipiac's Ariana Launie, edging her opponent by a 9-7 margin to stay alive in her flight. The sophomore finished the tournament 2-1, dropping a 3-6; 6-3; 10-5 match to the eventual champion of her flight, Chloe Pike of Stony Brook.
Freshman Devlin-Ann Ammendola (Massapequa, N.Y.) also had a strong showing, starting out her tournament by posting a pair of goose eggs against Army's Morgan Kiser, winning that match 6-0; 6-0. Despite falling to Pittsburgh's Taylor Washington, 8-2, the rookie moved on to the consolation bracket, where she rounded out her weekend with an 8-1 drubbing of Marist's Sabrina Tahir, finishing the tournament with a 2-1 record.
The Black and Gold will return to action on Tuesday, Oct. 4, traveling to in-state rival Providence College for a 3:30 p.m. match against the Friars that was originally scheduled for Sept. 20, but was rained out.
For continuing coverage of Bryant women's tennis, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and be sure to follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.
