EC Gulls Defeat Plymouth State, 8-1

Oct. 3, 2003

Beverly, MA- In its final tune-up before Saturday's clash with CCC rival Salve Regina, the women's tennis team defeated Plymouth State, 8-1, yesterday to improve its record to 7-0.

The Gulls won 5 of 6 singles matches and swept the doubles en route to victory. Blythe Langley topped her oppoent 6-3, 6-1 at 1st singles and Melissa Marrone won at 2nd singles, 6-0, 6-0. "This was one of the best matches I've seen Melissa play," said Coach Mark Herlihy. "She was patient and consistent, attacked when opportunities arose, finished off points well, and exhibited the kind of all-court game she's capable of playing."

In the 4th-6th singles matches, the games were more competitive, but the Gulls pulled them out. Brianne Cogan won 6-3, 7-6 at 4th singles, Carli Conners topped her opponent 6-3, 6-3 in the 5th spot, and Julie Castle was a 6-3, 6-4 victor at sixth singles. At 1st doubles, Langley and Lauren Gibbons posted an 8-0 shut out, while both the the 2nd team, Marrone and Garcia, and the 3rd team, Cogan and Conners, notched 8-3 wins.

Saturday's match against Salve Regina in Newport R.I. (1 pm start) will likely be the Gull's toughest test this season as both teams enter the match undefeated in conference play.