HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.  Methodist women's tennis initiated its spring break trip with an 8-1 victory over Albion (Mich.) College on Monday afternoon, the first of five matches in which the Monarchs will play during the week.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Albion, 8-1
Records: Methodist 3-3, Albion 2-3
Location: Evian Tennis Center; Hilton Head Island, S.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The three doubles matches all tilted Methodist's way to begin the non-conference match, allowing the Monarchs to enter singles play with a 3-0 advantage.
• Taylor Jackson and Abby Siracusa at No. 1 picked up the first point, followed by the 2-doubles tandem of Casey Carroll and Jill Lawrence. The sweep came when Allyson Hays and Catherine Smith teamed up for an 8-2 win at No. 3.
• Though each of Methodist's five wins in singles action came in straight sets, it was Bri Rado's 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Madeline Samra that clinched the match for the Monarchs.
• Allison Himes and Smith pounded out dominant wins over their Albion opponents. Himes at No. 2 made quick work of Kathryn Valade, allowing the Briton to capture just one game in defeat. Smith rolled out a 2 and 2 win over Namara Swillum at the No. 5 spot.

NEXT UP
A day's rest precedes a doubleheader day for the Monarchs, who play St. John Fisher College Wednesday morning at the Chaplin Park Tennis Center, then move to the Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Center in the afternoon for a match against Eastern Nazarene College.