Maria Cioffi ’16 continued her domination on the court in the women’s tennis team’s continued winning streak. The Bison defeated Loyola 6-1 and Colgate 4-0 in back-t0-back matches April 2-3. The team also locked in a victory against Lehigh on April 6 with a 7-0 win. These wins bring the Orange and Blue fifth in the Patriot League to a 9-5 overall record and a perfect 3-0 in the conference.

In the Patriot League opener, the Bison triumphed over Loyola. Cioffi collected her eighth consecutive singles win, as she beat out her opponent with a 6­-4, 6-­0 win at No. 1. The dynamic duo, Cioffi and Michele Urbinati ’17, collected an effortless 6­-2 win at No. 1 doubles. At No. 3 singles, Lauren Fishbein ’19 tallied a 6-3, 6-4 conquest. Urbinati beat her opponent at No. 4 singles with a 6­-1, 6­-2 win.

“The team is a whole level up from where we were last year. We need to stay focused throughout this spring season when things get busy and our skill is put to the test,” Melissa Parks ’17 said.

The following day, the team continued conference play as they swept Colgate in a 4-0 victory. Cioffi yet again proved to be dominant with a 6-4, 6-0 win in the top flight of singles play. In top-seeded doubles play, Urbinati and Cioffi continued their winning streak with a 6-0 win. Other notable performances were in No. 3 doubles, as Emilie Bush ’18 and Stephanie Pino ’16 slammed the competition with a 6­-3 win. Madeline Melch ’18, playing at No. 4, tallied a 6-­2, 6­-0 win.

“My individual goal is to play my best tennis every time I step out on the court, no matter who is on the other side of the net,” Parks said.

According to Parks, the team’s ultimate goal is to win the Patriot League Tournament.

“Our biggest threats are definitely Army/Navy due to their mental toughness and physical training, as well as Boston University who has a good tennis team due to funding (full scholarships),” Parks said.

As the season unravels, the Bison will be challenged by tough competitors and Cioffi will try to continue her impressive winning streak. The team will next take on Lafayette and Army on April 9-10.