HOLDEN, Mass. - The Worcester State women's tennis team started out hot in sweeping the doubles matches as they handed MCLA their first loss of the season, defeating the Trailblazers 7-2 this afternoon in non-conference action. With the loss, MCLA is now 3-1 while the Lancers improve to 2-1.
Worcester State swept three straight doubles matches, all in straight sets. The top duo of Shelby Jankins (West Brookfield, Mass.) and Megan Shepard (Middletown, Conn.) won 8-4 over MCLA's Emily Deaso and Mariza Sfakianaki, after coming back from a slow start. The Lancers cruised in the second match as Nathalie Khafaga (Auburn, Mass.) and Rachel Green (Worcester, Mass.) won 8-2. Cassandra Gonclaves (Ludlow, Mass.) and Olivia Budney (Webster, Mass.) took care of Rebecca Waterhouse and Anna Despart 8-4 to sweep the doubles competition.
In singles, Jankins turned away Taylor for Worcester State. MCLA would then get on the board as Deaso and Sfakianaki each earned points in straight sets. The Lancers would win the final three matches to pull away and earn the win.
The Lancers will continue their busy week of tennis this weekend, as they travel to UMass Boston for a 1:00 p.m. competition on Saturday, and then travel to the Nichols Invitational in Dudley, Mass. for a match on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Singles Competition
- Shelby Jankins (WSU) def. Taylor Turner (MCLA) 6-2, 6-2
- Emily Deaso (MCLA) def. Megan Shepart (WSU) 6-0, 6-4
- Mariza Sfakianaki (MCLA) def. Nathalie Khafaga (WSU) 6-3, 7-5
- Alexis Silk (WSU) def. Anna Despart (MCLA) 6-1, 6-0
- Cassandra Gonclaves (WSU) def. Rebecca Waterhouse (MCLA) 7-5, 6-1
- Olivia Budney (WSU) def. Kylie Dumas (MCLA) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles Competition
- Megan Shepard/Shelby Jankins (WSU) def. Emily Deaso/Mariza Sfakianaki (MCLA) 8-5
- Nathalie Khafaga/Rachel Green (WSU) def. Taylor Turner/Shelby Gauthier (MCLA) 8-2
- Cassandra Gonclaves/Olivia Budney (WSU) def. Rebecca Waterhouse/Anna Despart (MCLA) 8-4
Release Courtesy of MCLA Sports Information