SALEM, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State Bears earned the Little East regular season title after edging the Salem State Vikings, 5-4, in a match that featured the final two unbeaten conference teams.

The win improves Bridgewater State to 11-1, and 8-0 in conference and gives the Bears the No.1 seed for the upcoming post-season tournament. Salem State, which is now 10-2, and 7-1 in the Little East, takes the post-season second seed. Both teams earned a first round bye for the tournament that begins Tuesday.

Salem State started strong grabbing a 2-1 lead after doubles play. Michelle McEwen (Billerica, MA) and Lauren Turenne (Reading, MA) and Patricia Quartararo (Lexington, MA) and Anna Yaskell (Stockholm, Sweden) each picked up a point for the Vikings at first and third doubles respectively.

Bridget Murphy (Mattapoisett, MA) and Julie Kraby (Wrentham, MA) salvaged a point for Bridgewater State at No. 2 doubles, defeating Carly Muniz (Gloucester, MA) and Melissa Govertsen (Billerica, MA), 8-5.

Jenna Williamson (Ludlow, MA) grabbed the momentum back for Bridgewater State after she beat McEwen 6-1, 6-3 at No. 1 singles. Turrenne, who won her 100th collegiate match, managed a victory at No. 2 singles for Salem State when she defeated Murphy 6-2, 6-7, 6-2.

Muniz won the only other point for Salem State at No. 4 singles when she defeated Ashley Pereira (Assonet, MA) 7-5, 6-1.

Kraby (No.2), Rachael Eramo (Rowley, MA) (No. 5) and Melissa Flynn (Stoneham, MA) (No. 6) all won their singles matches, securing the victory for the Bears. 

The Little East Conference post-season tournament will begin this Tuesday.