Springfield, Mass. - April 6, 2019 - For the first time since 1997, the Springfield College women's tennis team defeated Wheaton as they earned a 6-3 victory in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play on Saturday afternoon at Appleton Courts.

The win pushed the Pride's record to 8-2, 2-1 in conference play as Springfield bested the Lyons for the first time since October 20, 1997 when it picked up a 5-4 decision.  The setback dropped Wheaton to 4-6, 2-2.

Springfield's No. 3 doubles team of Emily Etter (Guilford, Conn.) and Rachel Ahlmeyer (Morris Plains, N.J.) cruised to an 8-1 win to set the tone for the hosts before the Pride's top doubles team of Melissa Parrish (Framingham, Mass.) and Juliette Piazza (Portland, Conn.) grinded out an 8-6 victory to give Springfield a 2-1 lead heading into singles play. 

After Wheaton earned a win at the No. 1 singles spot to even the match up, Piazza posted a 6-1, 6-4 victory at No. 6 and Rielly Malz (Glastonbury, Conn.) registered a 6-4, 6-1 win of her own at No. 4. Etter then clinched the match for Springfield with a 6-2, 6-2 triumph at No. 3, and Ahlmeyer later added the sixth point of the day by virtue of a 7-5, 5-7, 10-8 at at No. 5.

Springfield will play again on Sunday when it hosts Colby-Sawyer at 12 pm.

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