WESTON, Mass. – The visiting Bridgewater State University women's tennis team opened the 2021 season with a dramatic 5-4 victory over Regis College on Friday afternoon at the Regis Tennis Courts.

Freshman Madeline Von Ruden (Ashley Falls, Mass.) battled back from a set down to record a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 decision at number one singles to break the 4-4 tie and secure the win for the Bears.

The visitors trailed 2-1 after doubles play as the tandem of Von Ruden and sophomore Abigail Ramer (Sherwood, Ore.) earned the Bears' lone doubles point with an 8-6 victory at the top flight.

Bridgewater also received singles wins from senior Vanessa Rosa (Taunton, Mass.) at the second flight (6-2, 7-5), sophomore Allison Carter (Raynham, Mass.) at number four (6-4, 6-4) and junior Brianna Venditti (North Smithfield, R.I.) at the sixth spot (6-2, 6-3). Carter's triumph at the fourth flight gave the Bears a 4-3 lead at the time.

Regis sophomore Stephanie Beatrice (Rockland, Mass.) came back from a set down to post a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win at fifth singles to knot the match at 4-4. That would set the stage for Von Ruden's heroics in the battle of the top flight singles players.

Both teams are back in action next week. The Bears (1-0) host Suffolk University on Thursday (Sept. 9) at 3:30, while the Pride (0-1) entertain Rhode Island College on Tuesday (Sept. 7) at 4:30.