MANCHESTER, Conn. (10/21/2026) - The Nichols College women's tennis team dropped a 5-2 decision to the University of Hartford on Wednesday afternoon at the Magic Lincer Tennis Club.

With the loss, the Bison fall to 3-8-1 in overall record, 3-6 in the Conference of New England (CNE). Hartford jumps to 5-7, 3-6 in conference matches.

The Bison opened the afternoon with a victory at No. 1 doubles, as Pamela Gonzalez Vallardi and Gianna Musumeci earned a 6-4 win. Hartford responded with victories at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles to claim the doubles point and take a 1-0 lead into singles competition.

Gonzalez Vallardi continued her strong performance at No. 1 singles, defeating Lia Gosselin in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1, to earn her second victory of the afternoon. Musumeci also secured a singles win at No. 3, battling back after dropping the opening set to defeat Isabelle Simino in three sets, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Hartford claimed the remaining four singles matches to secure the 5-2 team victory. Erin Helly battled Madeline Pearlman at No. 2 singles, falling in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6. Kaitlyn Tingle dropped a 0-6, 2-6 decision to Victalia Deida at No. 4, while Julia Beaulieu fell to Natalie Lamb at No. 5, 1-6, 0-6. Sarah Maher also competed in a three-set match at No. 6 singles, falling to Lora Acquario, 4-6, 6-4, 0-1

The Bison return to action on Saturday, October 24, when they host the University of New England at the Robinson Tennis Courts. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

DOUBLES
Gonzalez Vallardi / Musumeci (Nichols) def. Gosselin / Deida (Hartford), 6-4
Pearlman / Simino (Hartford) def. Beaulieu / Helly (Nichols), 6-0
Lamb / Acquario (Hartford) def. Tingle / Maher (Nichols), 6-2

SINGLES
Gonzalez Vallardi (Nichols) def. Gosselin (Hartford), 6-0, 6-1
Pearlman (Hartford) def. Helly (Nichols), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
Musumeci (Nichols) def. Simino (Hartford), 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
Deida (Hartford) def. Tingle (Nichols), 6-0, 6-2
Lamb (Hartford) def. Beaulieu (Nichols), 6-1, 6-0
Acquario (Hartford) def. Maher (Nichols), 6-4, 4-6, 1-0