Erika Blauth '12 bowed out in a grueling three-set match at No. 3 singles at Tufts on Wednesday. (File photo)

MEDFORD, Mass. -- No. 5 nationally ranked Tufts University blanked the Bates College women's tennis team by a 9-0 score on Tuesday, despite some competitive matches played by the visiting Bobcats.

Bates (4-14, 0-7 NESCAC) nearly pulled off an upset at No. 2 doubles, where sophomores Ashley Brunk (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Nicole Russell (Boca Raton, Fla.) were edged 9-7 by Lindsay Katz and Jennifer LaCara. In singles play, Bates junior Erika Blauth (Camden, Maine) won the first set against Shelci Bowman but bowed out in a marathon decision, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 10-7.

The Bobcats finish the season on Saturday at Williams, in a 10 a.m. match.

Tufts 9, Bates 0

April 27, 2011 at Tufts

Doubles

1. Julia Browne/Shelci Bowman (T) def. Jacqui Holmes/Meg Anderson (B), 8-1

2. Lindsay Katz/Jennifer LaCara (T) def. Ashley Brunk/Nicole Russell (B) 9-7

3. Samantha Gann/Janice Lam (T) def. Erika Blauth/Kristen Doerer (B) 8-4

Singles

1. Julia Browne def. Jacqui Holmes 6-0, 6-1

2. Lindsay Katz def. Meg Anderson 6-1, 6-0

3. Shelci Bowman def. Erika Blauth 6-7 (5), 7-5, 10-7

4. Lauren Hollender def. Ashley Brunk 6-1, 6-0

5. Samantha Gann def. Nicole Russell 6-4, 6-3

6. Edwina Stewart def. Kristen Doerer 7-5, 6-0