NEWARK, NJ–The NJIT Highlanders women's tennis team earned an impressive victory over the Rhode Island Rams, highlighted by a dominant showing in singles competition after a competitive doubles point.

The Highlanders won its fourth straight match of the season, moving to 5-1 on the season and 1-0 on the road.

NJIT captured two of the three doubles matches to claim the early advantage.

The duo of Irene Cocero and Laura Wipfli opened the afternoon with a 6-3 win over Nikki Fernando and Kajsa Helgesen at the first spot.. Paula Menendez Alvarez and Feyza Aydin followed with a 6-4 victory at No. 2 doubles against Grace Darcy and Anastasia Pettersson to secure the doubles point for the Highlanders.

Rhode Island's Sophie Herrman and Miruna Grnja prevented the sweep, earning a 6-4 decision over NJIT's pairing of Koszo and Hepcal Barcan at third doubles.

NJIT carried its momentum into singles play, claiming four of the six matches to seal the team victory.

Laura Wipfli set the tone at first singles with a decisive 6-3, 6-2 win over Nikki Fernando. Paula Menendez Alvarez battled to a straight-sets triumph, 6-4, 7-5, against Grace Darcy at the second spot.

In the most tightly contested match of the day came at the third spot, Irene Cocero outlasted Sophie Herrman in a three-set thriller, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, showcasing resilience in the deciding frame.

Rhode Island picked up singles wins from Anastasia Pettersson (6-2, 6-2 over Feyza Aydin) and Kajsa Helgesen (7-5, 6-1 over Asima Sazan).

Diana Fernandes capped the afternoon for NJIT with a comeback victory, rallying past Miruna Scarlat 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 at the sixth spot.

Next Up
NJIT will play its next six matches at home, hosting FDU (Feb. 20 at 10am) and Hofstra (Feb. 21 at 11am).

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NJIT 5, Rhode Island 2

Doubles
Cocero/Wipfli (NJIT) def. Fernando/Helgesen; 6-3
Menedez Alvarez/Aydin (NJIT) def. Darcy/Pettersson; 6-4
Herrman/Grnja (URI) def. Koszo/Hepcal Barcan; 6-4

Singles
Laura Wipfli (NJIT) def. Nikki Fernando; 6-3, 6-2
Paula Menendez Alvarez (NJIT) def. Grace Darcy; 6-4, 7-5
Irene Cocero (NJIT) def. Sophie Herrman; 7-5, 4-6, 7-5
Anastasia Pettersson (URI) def. Feyza Aydin; 6-2, 6-2
Kajsa Helgesen (URI) def. Asima Sazan; 7-5, 6-1
Diana Fernandes (NJIT) def. Miruna Scarlat; 1-6, 6-3, 6-1