SWEET BRIAR, Va. — Junior Alexia Alfaro's victory at No. 4 singles secured Sweet Briar's 5-4 victory over Methodist at the Dennis Van Der Meer Tennis Center on Saturday afternoon.

Following a Methodist (4-9) victory at No. 3 doubles, Sweet Briar's top duo of sophomores Ruth de Souza (Marilia, Brazil) and Allison Wandling (Mechanicsville, Va.) delivered a team point to the Vixens with an 8-2 victory over Abby Caddick and Sydni Lewis.

The even team score was short-lasting as Methodist regained control of the match with an 8-4 victory at No. 2 doubles.

Needing to win four matches in singles play, the Vixens' margin of error narrowed as Methodist won the first decision of singles at No. 5.

Things turned quickly in Sweet Briar's favor as de Souza coasted to a 6-0, 6-1 win over Caddick at No. 1 singles.

Wandling knotted up the team score at 3-3 when she toppled Jill Lawrence 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2 singles.

Sophomore Kate Kotany (Erd, Hungary) earned 6-4, 6-3 victory at No. 3 singles to give the Vixens a one-point team lead with No. 4 and No. 6 singles still on the court.

Alfaro (Laredo, Texas) was forced to battle at No. 4, winning an opening set tie-break 7-6 (7-2) before edging Kamdyn Balko 6-4 in the second set and clinching a victory for Sweet Briar.

Methodist picked up a three-set win at No. 6, wrapping up Sweet Briar's 5-4 victory.

The Vixens are scheduled to hit the road on March 24 for a 4 p.m. opening serve in Fredericksburg, Va. against Mary Washington.