Shrewsbury, MA --- Junior teammates Megan Shepard (Middletown, CT) and Cassandra Goncalves (Ludlow, MA) both posted wins in singles and doubles play to help Worcester State defeat Western Connecticut, 7-2, in Little East Conference women's tennis action at Shrewsbury High School.  

The Lancers (7-4, 3-4 LEC) emerged with the 2-1 margin after pairs play when Shepard teamed with sophomore Shelby Jankins (W. Brookfield, MA) for an 8-0 victory at second doubles before freshman Alexis Silk (Greenfield, MA) and Goncalves earned the 8-3 win as the third seed.

The Colonials (3-8, 1-5 LEC) lone point during doubles came when freshman Lianne Maynard (Milford, CT) and junior Angelica Jara (Paterson, NY) posted an 8-2 triumph over senior Danielle Candelieri (Chelmsford, MA) and freshman Natalie Paul (Worcester, MA/Worcester Academy).

Four out of six singles matchups went a third set as Maynard claimed the 3-6, 6-4 and 6-0 victory over Jankins as the top seed while Candelieri and Silk defeated their opponents in straight sets at second and sixth singles, respectively.

Shepard earned the 6-3, 5-7 and 6-2 win at fourth singles over sophomore Carine Jaque' (New London, CT) and Goncalves bested sophomore Olivia Mauro (Harwinton, CT).

Freshman Natalie Paul (Worcester, MA/Worcester Academy) also improved her season mark to 7-2 with a 4-6, 6-4 and 11-9 victory in the tie-breaker with darkness approaching over senior Melissa Osorio (Bethel, CT).

Candelieri was recognized on "Senior Day" for playing in her final regular season home game.

Both squads resume their LEC slates tomorrow at 1 PM. The Lancers travel to Plymouth State as Western Connecticut hosts UMass Dartmouth.