Springfield, Mass. - September 30, 2014 - The Springfield College women's tennis team seized an 8-1 win over Smith College Tuesday afternoon in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) matchup and guaranteed a spot in the 2014 NEWMAC Conference Tournament.

In his first year as head coach of the Pride, Takehiro Iwatsuki locked up Springfield's second-straight trip to the conference's postseason tournament.

Springfield picked up eight points on the night behind the strong play of Rachel London (Port Jefferson, N.Y.) and Stephanie Foster (Woodbridge, Conn.).  The two captured an 8-3 victory at No. 1 doubles, then went on to pick up wins in singles play.  London defeated her counter part  Kelli Cheung 6-7, 6-4, 10-3 at the top spot, while Foster clipped Ruth Yi 6-2, 1-6, 10-5.

No. 2 and 3 doubles were also victorious for the Pride.  Melanie Thulin (Manchester Center, Vt.) and Ariana Shemms (Goshen, Conn.) competed in the No. 2 slot and defeated Margaret Anne Smith and Samantha Peikes, 8-3.  Thulin went on to triumph 6-3, 6-1 at No. 4, while Shemms cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 6.

Rachel Litchfield (Northbridge, Mass.) and Stephani Post (Westford, Mass.) were the final pair to compete in doubles, dominating the set 8-2. Litchfield also tallied a victory by the scores of 6-0, 6-3 in No. 3 singles action.

Springfield hits the road to Suffolk this Thursday at 5:30 pm in a non-conference match.