Oct. 14, 2004

Providence, R.I. - Five different Friars have been named top seeds entering this weekend's New England Championship. In singles, junior Sara Bitetti (Norwell, Mass.), sophomore Andrea Lee (Cumberland, R.I.), and senior Nicole Rodger (Lowell, Mass.) will represent Providence at the No. 2 through 4 positions, respectively. In doubles, Bitetti and senior Lindsey Christensen (Northboro, Mass.) are favored at No. 2, while Lee and freshman Carly Hoffend (Pittsford, N.Y.) are the top duo at No. 3.

On the season, Bitetti has posted a 4-3 record playing at the No. 2 spot. Her current winning streak extends throughout the Friars' last three matches, with victories over Holy Cross, Monmouth, and Rhode Island. Last season, she recorded the team's highest wins percentage (.500), and captured the No. 3 title at the New England Championship. Lee is 6-1 overall, and will enter this weekend's tournament with 5 consecutive victories under her belt. A versatile and reliable player, she is currently 2-2 at No. 2, 1-0 at No. 3, and 3-1 at No. 4. Rodger, who has been solid throughout the fall season, has posted a 5-1 record at No. 4 and a 3-0-1 mark at No. 5. Overall, she has the highest wins percentage on the team (.850) and enters the Championship with a 28-27-1 career record.

In doubles, Bitetti and Christensen have posted a 2-0 record playing together this season. When paired with other Friars, Christensen totals three wins, and Bitetti eight. Throughout the season, Lee and Hoffend have compiled a 5-3 record together. They enter the New Englands undefeated at No. 3, and 2-3 at No. 1.

Also representing Providence, but not seeded, will be senior Molly Gilbride (Topsham Maine) at No. 1, Christensen at No. 5, and Hoffend at No. 6 singles. In doubles, Gilbride and Rodger will pair up at No. 1.

Gilbride, 2-2 at No. 1, is 10-4 overall. With eight victories over her last 11 matches, she is currently the winningest member of her squad. Christensen, 2-1 at No. 5, has tallied a 7-4 overall mark and has defeated her last three opponents in straight sets. Hoffend, 1-0 at No. 6, currently leads Providence's freshman class with an overall record of 3-2. In doubles, the Gilbride/Rodger duo is currently 6-3 on the season, and enters the tournament unbeaten over their last four matches.

The New England Championship will be held in Fairfield, Conn., at both Fairfield and Sacred Heart Universities. Providence (6-1) will be among a field of seven schools, including teams from Fairfield (0-3), Hartford (2-3), Holy Cross (2-5), New Hampshire, Rhode Island (2-4), and Sacred Heart (2-4). Competition will take place Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17.

New England Championship Top Seeds

SINGLES
#1) Ana Maria Mora (Hartford) and Kerry Trimmer (Holy Cross)
#2) Sara Bitetti (Providence) and Pam Pillo (Sacred Heart)
#3) Andrea Lee (Providence)
#4) Nicole Rodger (Providence)
#5) Lensey Dixon (New Hampshire)
#6) Michelle Geller (Fairfield)

DOUBLES
#1) Lauren Galatie / Pam Pillo (Sacred Heart)
#2) Sara Bitetti / Lindsey Christensen (Providence)
#3) Andrea Lee / Carly Hoffend (Providence)