BRISTOL, R.I. -- The Simmons University women's tennis team was defeated by host Roger Williams University, 9-0, this afternoon in Bristol, R.I. The Sharks fall to 0-1, while the Hawks improve to 1-0 following the season opener for both squads.

Senior Marissa Johnson (Norwell, Mass.) won eight games in a 6-2, 7-6 (2) singles loss at number two singles to lead Simmons. Johnson nearly rebounded to win the second set against RWU junior Heidi Martin (Scituate, Mass.). Martin combined with first year Alessia Cahoon (Dedham, Mass.) to earn an 8-7 (7) doubles victory at number one doubles over Johnson and Sharks senior Nickie Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam/Saint Joseph Preparatory (Mass.)). 

Nguyen was defeated at first singles by Cahoon, 6-0, 6-0. The Hawks tandem of senior Jessica Magliato (New Rochelle, N.Y.) and first year Emma Place (Francestown, N.H.) did not drop a game in an 8-0 win at second doubles over the Simmons sophomore duo of Sarah Mariski (Portland, Maine) and Megan McKeever (Stamford, Conn.). Place earned a singles win at number three over Mariski, 6-2, 6-0 to clinch the dual match, while Magliato earned a 6-1, 6-1 triumph at number four singles over Sharks rookie Leah Bonis (Bath, Maine). 

Roger Williams posted a win at third doubles as well behind senior Riley Spillane (Easton, Mass.) and sophomore Libby Bennett (Watertown, Conn.), who downed Bonis and Simmons first year Libby Weed (Brooksville, Maine), 8-1. Spillane was a double-winner on the day for the Hawks, claiming a 6-0, 6-0 decision over Simmons first year Mary Miller (Newton, N.H.) at sixth singles. Junior Morgan Crimmins (Boston, Mass.) was the sixth singles winner for the Hawks, winning the opening set at fifth singles, 6-3, before McKeever was unable to continue and retired to surrender the match to Crimmins.

The Sharks return to the courts on Monday, September 2 when they open the home slate at Daly Courts against Gordon College at 12:00 p.m., while Roger Williams hosts Worcester State University on September 3 at 4:00 p.m.