Chestnut Hill, MA --- Paced by sophomore Danielle Candelieri (Chelmsford, MA) and freshman Megan Shepard (Middletown, MA), Worcester State took five singles matches and all three doubles points to earn the 8-1 season opening triumph over Newbury this afternoon in non-conference women's tennis action.
Candelieri teamed with classmate Taylor Tomasetti (Waterford, CT) for the 8-4 win at first doubles before Sheppard and junior Brooke Michanczyk (Middletown, CT) followed with a 8-2 victory in the second flight.
In singles action, Candelieri took home the 6-2 and 6-1 decision in the second seed as Sheppard won her third flight matchup, 6-1 and 6-3.
Sophomore Miranda Biron (Webster, MA) also swept her opponent at fifth singles, 6-0 and 6-0 while junior Laura Sarkis (W. Springfield, MA) followed with the same result at sixth singles.
The lone triumph for Newbury was at first singles by senior Jennifer Swafford (Merrimack, NH) for her 21st career victory.
The fourth singles and third doubles points were forfeited points due to injuries.
Worcester State heads to Clark for a 5 PM battle against their local rival while the Night Hawks host Eastern Nazerene on Thursday at 4 o'clock.