SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In its third match in as many days under the schorching sun, the Bryant University women's tennis team came up short Wednesday vs. Seton Hall falling, 5-2, in its final action of spring break in Puerto Rico.

The Pirates (6-5) got out to a strong start in doubles play, taking all three matches to take the 1-0 lead, and more importantly the early momentum.

In singles action, freshman Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) was impressive in the no. 2 spot, coming out really strong after a tough match vs. LIU Brooklyn the day before. After taking the first set, 6-3, Brown built up a formidable 5-1 edge in the second set, only to see Hannah Liljekvist come all the way back to knot the score, 5-5. However, the freshman showed great composure, holding serve and taking the second and deciding set, 7-5.

At the no. 3 singles position, junior Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) went toe-to-toe with Rocio Portela in a match that took three long sets to decide. In the first, Bird utilized her superior athleticism, handling everything Portela threw at her to take the set, 7-5. In the second set, Portela's huge forehand and serve pushed her to tie the match with the 4-6 win. However, the third set was all Bird as she controlled the tempo through its entirety to take the set and match, 10-5.

"It's been a tough week of tennis," said head coach Barbara Cilli. "But that's why I set it up this way. The heat definitely throws a different component into the mix, but all teams have to play in it. We need to be mentally tough, improve our consistency and this is the way to do it."

The Bulldogs will head back east for weekend matches at Yale on Friday and at Quinnipiac on Saturday before opening Northeast Conference action vs. Sacred Heart on Saturday, March 29 in Smithfield.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University women's tennis team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.