Even though they almost didn't make it as a team, the Riverland women's tennis squad is showing that it definitely belongs. The Blue Devils find themselves in a three-way tie for second place after one day of the National Junior College Division III tournament in College Station, Texas.

"Unlike in past years, no one team is standing out yet," said Riverland head coach Suzy Hebrink, "so tomorrow will make a big difference."

The Blue Devils made a clean sweep of the doubles, with all three of their teams advancing to the second round. Their top duo of Gretchen Hansen and Tiffany Ankeny justified their second seed by winning in straight sets, as did the No. 2 doubles team of Lisa Snyder and Sara Zastoupil. Mel Sheedy and Brie Bednar lost a close first set, but recovered to win in three sets in the No. 3 doubles bracket.

"We played really well in doubles today," Hebrink said.

Singles was a different story, as only Sheedy was able to come out victorious, winning in three from the No. 5 slot. No. 6 Brie Bednar also advanced, receiving a bye into the second round as the top seed in her bracket.

No. 1 Hansen and No. 3 Zastoupil both took their opponents the distance before bowing out, while Ankeny and Snyder lost in straight sets from the Nos. 2 and 4 spots, respectively.

"It's just a matter of keeping all five of our slots (three doubles and two singles) in the main draw," said Hebrink. "Plus our four singles players all have a good chance to do well in the consolation bracket."

Each team received two points for a first-round win, one point for a second round win and half a point for a consolation round win.

Ridgewater, the other team besides Riverland to advance from Region XIII, leads the eight-team field. The Blue Devils find themselves in a tie with Gloucester County College, N.J., and Mohawk Valley Community College, N.Y., for second.

Play continues today and Wednesday.

Results:

Singles

1. Kim Guita (Fashion Institute) def. Gretchen Hansen 6-3, 5-7, 6-2

2. Amanda Doubek (Rock Valley, Ill.) def. Tiffany Ankeny 6-1, 6-2

3. Amber Jackson (Gloucester County, N.J.) def. Sara Zastoupil 3-6, 6-3, 6-3

4. Janna Fulerova (Mercer County, N.J.) def. Lisa Snyder 6-3, 6-3

5. Mel Sheedy (Riverland) def. Christine Shepherd 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

6. Brie Bednar (Bye)

Doubles

1. Hansen/Ankeny (Riverland) def. Guita/Lamar (FI) 6-4, 6-4

2. Snyder/Zastoupil (Riverland) def. Cooper/Eurdolian (FI) 6-1, 6-2

3. Sheedy/B.Bednar (Riverland) def. Perrone/Vondran (Rock Valley) 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4