The women’s tennis team concluded its season by hosting the Patriot League Tournament from April 18-20. Competing against Lehigh for the first time this season, the Bison earned a 4-0 victory in the quarterfinals. Following Lehigh, the Orange and Blue challenged Boston University but fell short in a 4-0 defeat.

“This weekend’s tournament marked the end of a great Patriot League season,” Stephanie Pino ’16 said. “We all played well with a solid win over Lehigh and came out with strong competition against Boston University, despite our loss!”

The Bison entered the competition as the No. 4 seed, behind Boston University, Army, and Navy. The Orange and Blue clinched a win over No. 5 Lehigh with the doubles point and victories at No. 2, No. 3, and No. 5 singles.

Elena Vidrascu ’14 and Maria Cioffi ’16 triumphed over Mountain Hawks 8-2 in No. 1 doubles. The No. 3 doubles pairing of Pino and Michele Urbinati ’17 defeated their opponents 8-2 as well, securing the doubles point for the Bison. Lydia Colvin ’15 and Alyssa McAndrew ’15 were at a score of 6-6 when the team earned the point.

Pino was the first to finish her singles match (6-0, 6-2) at No. 5 singles, putting the Bison at a 2-0 lead. Cioffi earned her ninth straight win at No. 2 singles with a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Colvin took the match for the Bison, defeating her opponent 6-3, 6-2. Vidrascu, Urbinati, and Jorie Fox ’17 were all leading in their respective matches when the score was decided.

The Lehigh win also gave head coach Rebecca Helt 182 victories, breaking the program record of all-time wins by a coach. Hall of Famer Rose Ewan previously held the record with 181 victories.

The next day, the Bison stepped up in the semifinals to face Boston University, also for the first time this season. The Terriers proved to be a strong team, defeating Lafayette and the Bison before moving on to face Army in the finals and ultimately winning the Patriot League Tournament.

The Terriers defeated the Bison 4-0, taking an early lead in the match by securing the doubles point. Vidrascu/Cioffi fell 8-2 to the Terriers at No. 1 doubles, Colvin/McAndrew fell 8-3 and No. 2 doubles, and Urbinati/Pino were down 6-4 at No. 3 doubles when play was called.

Boston University then earned victories at the No. 1, No. 3, and No. 4 singles spots to gain a victory in the match, eliminating the Bison from the tournament.

Although the league championships are over, the Bison will continue to practice for their upcoming 2014-2015 season.