Shepard, Jankins Reach Career Milestones In 5-4 Loss To Salem State

Salem, MA --- Salem State junior teammates Jennifer Cleary (Swampscott, MA) and April McDermott (Tewksbury, MA) won as the top two seeds at singles and at first doubles as they helped pace the Vikings to a 5-4 triumph over Worcester State in Little East women's tennis action this afternoon at the campus courts.

With the win Salem State evens out to 2-2 (1-1 LEC) while the loss is the first for the Lancers on the campaign (5-1, 2-1 LEC).

The hosts claimed two of three doubles matches for the early 2-1 advantage. Cleary and McDermott teamed for the 8-5 victory at the top flight before senior Lauren Woods (Burlington, MA) and Emily Yanchun (Saugus, MA) earned the win at third doubles.

At second doubles, sophomore Shelby Jankins (W. Brookfield, MA) and junior Megan Shepard (Middletown, CT) claimed 8-2 win which helped Jankins become the 21st WSU women's tennis player to join the 25 point club.

Salem State put the contest away when Cleary, McDermott and Woods all posted wins in their respective singles matchups. The deciding match turned out to be at third singles with Woods dispatching freshman Natalie Paul (Worcester, MA/Worcester Academy), 6-3, 4-6 and 13-11.

Freshman Faina Volf (Sharon, MA), Shepard and first-year Rachel Green (Worcester, MA/Worcester Academy) each earned victories at fourth, fifth and sixth singles play, respectively, for the other three points for the Lancers.

Shepard moved into a tie for 10th on the all-time scoring list as she has 39 points in her career – including 23 victories at pairs play.

Both squads head to non-conference opponents on Thursday. Worcester State takes on local rival Clark at 5 PM while Salem State will play Gordon at 4 o'clock.

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