Holden, MA --- Underscored by the victories at first and third singles and as the top two doubles seeds by sophomore Shelby Jankins (W. Brookfield, MA) and freshman Natalie Paul (Worcester, MA/Worcester Academy), Worcester State defeated Southern Maine, 8-1, in Little East women's tennis action this afternoon at Wachusett High School.
The Lancers remain unbeaten at 5-0 (2-0 LEC) while the Huskies fall to 2-5 and 0-3 in the nine-team Little East circuit.
Paul teamed with senior Danielle Candelieri (Chelmsford, MA) for a 9-7 win at first doubles before Jankins paired with junior Megan Shepard (Middletown, CT) for an 8-2 victory in the second slot. Freshmen teammates Faina Volf (Sharon, MA) and Rachel Green (Worcester, MA/Worcester Academy) dispatched their opponents as the third seed, 8-2, to effectively open up a 3-0 lead.
Worcester State claimed five of the six singles points to seal up the match.
Jankins needed a second-set tie-breaker to defeat junior Sarah Hill (Topsham, ME) at the top of the ladder while Paul, Volf, Shepard and junior Cassandra Goncalves (Ludlow, MA) all defeated their foes in straight sets.
USM junior Molly Gallagher (S. Portland, ME) turned away Candelieri at second singles, 6-3 and 6-0, for their lone point of the contest.
Southern Maine starts a two-game home stand tomorrow with Castleton State at noon. Worcester State continues LEC play with Salem State on the road on Tuesday at 3:30.
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