WASHINGTON, D.C. – James Madison women's tennis opened a double-match weekend with a 6-1 win at Howard on Saturday morning at the Washington Tennis & Education Center.
"Today we got back on track, and I was happy with our overall intensity and energy," Head Coach James Brycestated. "It started with doubles and carried through into singles. If we stay committed like this tomorrow, I am excited to see our performance."
The Dukes (3-1, 1-0 CAA) swept doubles play as well as Nos. 1-5 in singles. JMU defaulted at No. 6 singles for the lone Bison (1-3, 0-0 MEAC) point of the day, recorded by Sajela Harlow.
Sophomores Rachel Nelsonand Emily Bradshawbegan the day with a 6-3 victory over Audra Bell and Harlow at No. 3 doubles before the senior-sophomore duo of Sarah Khanand Rebecca Harrisdowned Jessica Josiah and Maame Osei 6-2 at No. 2 doubles to clinch the point. Senior Taylor Pinchoffand freshman Dylan Owensrounded out the wins for JMU with a 6-4 victory over Stacey Roheman and Umarah Mughnee at No. 1 doubles.
Nelson continued her undefeated streak in singles action (4-0) with a two-set victory (6-3, 6-0) over Roheman at the No. 1 position. She is now 4-0 in dual singles and 4-0 in dual doubles this spring, which includes a 3-0 mark with Pinchoff.
Harris also remained undefeated in dual singles this spring (4-0), following Nelson with her own two-set victory (6-3, 6-2) over Josiah at No. 4 singles for a 3-0 JMU advantage. Bradshaw clinched the victory for JMU with a two-set win (7-6(3), 6-0) over Osei at No. 5 singles.
Owens and Khan finished out the day for JMU with a pair of two-set wins at No. 3 and No. 2 singles, respectively. Owens defeated Bell 6-2, 7-6(1) while Khan battled with Mughnee for a 7-5, 7-5 win to close out the competition.
JMU returns to the courts tomorrow, Feb. 8, for an 11 a.m. match at George Washington.