BRUNSWICK, Maine - The Wilkes University women's tennis team jumped to  3-0 lead in doubles play en route to a 5-0 win over Bridgewater State in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Tournament Friday at Bowdoin College.

The Colonels (19-2) advance to Saturday's second round where they will play the host Polar Bears at 11:00 a.m. Bridgewater State ends its season with a record of 16-2.

Wilkes wasted little time completing a sweep of doubles action as their top doubles pairing of Ally Kristofco/Ana English got on the board with a 8-2 win. Alanna Denauski/Madison Salmon increased the lead with a 8-3 win at #3 doubles before Kendra Croker/Taylor Hoffmann completed the sweep with a 8-2 triumph at #2.

Salmon put the Colonels on the brink of victory with a 6-0, 6-1 win at #6 singles. Amanda Rossi clinched the match with a 6-1, 6-3 win at #5 for Wilkes.

Bridgewater was up a set in one of the remaining matches while Wilkes led at three other singles spots when the decision was reached.  BSU's Jackie McGuirk held a 6-0, 5-2 advantage at second singles and was well on her way to a straight set victory when the match ended.

The Bears were making their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance, third in the last four seasons and fourth overall.  The Colonels are in the tournament for the eighth straight year.