STATESBORO - Georgia Southern women's tennis picked up a 4-0 non-conference win over visiting Rhode Island on Thursday at the Wallis Tennis Center.

The Eagles move to 6-5 on the season and will now return to Sun Belt play this weekend, traveling to Alabama to take on South Alabama on Saturday in Mobile, then Troy on Sunday in Troy. Rhode Island falls to 6-6 on the year on its Spring Break trip to the Coastal Empire area.

Georgia Southern swept all three doubles matches by identical 6-1 scores to capture the doubles point from the Rams. In singles play, the Eagles won the first set in four of six singles matches.

Silvia Martinez Jimenez made the Eagle lead 2-0 as she defeated Erin Chratian, 6-0, 6-1, at No. 1 singles. Paula Hijos then collected a 6-2, 6-2 win over Nadia Rajan at No. 2 singles - her first start at that singles spot in her career. Elizabeth Goines then finished off the win with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Sydney Chratian at No. 5 singles.

"Today was a good day for the ladies," Georgia Southern Head Women's Tennis Coach Sean McCaffrey said. "After some roster and personnel changes, we really had a couple of good days of practice, and so we managed to come out today with a whole lot of fire. We were able to put things together and I'm particularly proud of the team and the way that they handled adversity. Immediately in doubles, we were up 4-1 on each court with a couple of breaks, and I think that set the tone. Rhode Island won their conference last year, and so we knew we had to be prepared, and we focused a lot of doubles. So right from the get go, the women showed a lot of grit, making good shots and keeping thing simple. In singles, Silvie and Pauli and Liz getting quick first sets, that really helped. I think at one point, everyone was completely in control of their match. We still have some things to work on, but we are looking forward to our next match with South Alabama, they are incredible team. Well coached. And then of course Troy on Sunday. We're excited for every opportunity we have to get out and fight."

RESULTS
Singles
Silvia Martinez Jimenez (GS) def. Erin Chratian (URI) 6-0, 6-1
Paula Hijos (GS) def. Nadia Rajan (URI) 6-2, 6-2
Tiara Higuchi (URI) led Sophie Wagemaker (GS) 3-6, 6-2, 1-0, unfinished
Kiara Nelander (URI) led Sonja Keranen (GS) 7-6, 2-1, unfinished
Elizabeth Goines (GS) def. Sydney Chratian (URI) 6-1, 6-2
Paulina Laredo (URI) led Hannah Daniel (GS) 6-2, 1-4, unfinished

Doubles
Elizabeth Goines/Sonja Keranen (GS) def. Kiara Nelander/Paulina Loredo (URI) 6-1
Silvia Martinez Jimenez/Paula Hijos (GS) def. Erin Chratian/Sydney Chratian (URI) 6-1
Hannah Daniel/Sophie Wagemaker (GS) def. Nadia Rajan/Tiara Higuchi (URI) 6-1