Providence, RI-Junior Doris Belanger (West Warwick, R.I.) notched her first singles victory of the 2011 season on Thursday, but it wasn’t enough for Rhode Island College as the Anchorwomen fell to Curry College, 8-1, in the season opener for both clubs.

The Curry (1-0) duo of sophomore Emily Mongello (Plymouth, Mass.) and freshman Allison Curtis (Moorestown, N.J.) helped the visitors jump out to an early, 3-0, lead after doubles leading the way with an 8-0 shutout victory at the top spot. After sweeping doubles, the Colonels continued to roll as sophomore Megan Mulrooney (South Boston, Mass.) earned an impressive straight set (6-0, 6-1) victory at No. 1 singles.

Matched up with Curtis at No. 3 singles, Belanger took the first set, 6-3, before dropping the second set, 6-3, against the Curry rookie. Belanger bounced back with a strong performance in final set, 7-6 (10-4), to take home the victory, which proved to be the lone bright spot for the hosts.

Belanger’s doubles partner, freshman Gianna Vallante (Coventry, R.I.), nearly collected her first win of the season at No. 4 singles against CC sophomore Lauren Chuha (Reading, Mass.). Vallante just barely fell in her first set, 7-6 (7-5), after forcing a tie-breaker, then dropped the second set, 6-3, to bow out.

The Anchorwomen (0-1) hit the road to face Roger Williams on Saturday in non-conference action at noon.  Curry hosts Eastern Nazarene at home on September, 3 for a 12:00 match. (Game Recap Courtesy of Rhode Island College Sports Information)


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