MANCHESTER, N.H. – Second-seeded Southern New Hampshire University advanced in the NCAA Division II Women's Tennis Championship with a 5-3 win over seventh-seeded Chestnut Hill College Saturday at The Derryfield School.  The Penmen, who have posted a first-round NCAA tourney win in each of their four championship appearances, improve to 19-5, while the Griffins, who were making their first-ever NCAA appearance, see their season come to a close at 19-7.

Southern New Hampshire will face No. 3 seed District of Columbia in Sunday's second round in a noon match at The Derryfield School.  The Firebirds prevailed 5-4 in a marathon match with sixth-seeded Adelphi, with UDC pulling out a three-set win at No. 3 singles to advance.

Southern New Hampshire, which downed Chestnut Hill 6-3 during the regular season, jumped out to a 2-1 lead after doubles action.  Alena Mukdaprakorn (Hartford, Conn.) and Diana Vamvakitis (Wading River, N.Y.) recorded a 8-5 win at No. 1 doubles, while Kirsten Jean (Bedford, N.H.) and Amanda Albuquerque (Weymouth, Mass.) were 8-5 winners at No. 3.

In singles play, Samantha Jean (Bedford, N.H.) and sister Kirsten both picked up points at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.  Samantha Jean was a 6-1, 7-5 winner over Danielle Knott, while Kirsten Jean downed Lexis Puhl 6-3, 6-1.  Vamvakitis clinched the match with her win at No. 2, rallying from a 6-2 loss in the first set to knock off Kelly Dennis 2-6, 7-5, 6-1.

SNHU has never faced UDC.  The two teams will be battling for a berth in the round of 16 which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky as part of the Division II Spring Sports Festival that kicks off May 16.

#45 So. New Hampshire 5, Chestnut Hill 3
04/28/12 at Manchester, N.H. (The Derryfield School)