Lancers Tennis Triumphs over Trailblazers, 7-2

N. ADAMS, Mass. – The Worcester State University Lancers defeated the MCLA Trailblazers 7-2 in a Tuesday afternoon non-conference matchup at the tennis courts of the Zavattaro Athletics Complex.

With the win, the Lancers advance to 2-1 on the season, while the Trailblazers dip to 1-2.

"The team showed up to play today," stated head coach Courteney Blais.

Worcester State's senior Shelby Jankins (W. Brookfield, Mass.) gave the Lancers their first point of the day as she defeated MCLA's Emily Deaso (Pittsfield, Mass.) 6-0 and 6-1 at the No. 1 singles spot.

"Shelby had a very solid win at singles," commented Blais. "She was zoned in and controlled the match from start to finish."

Worcester's Rachel Green (Worcester, Mass.) claimed the next singles win at the No. 5 slot, blanking opponent Shelby Gautheir (Clinton, Mass.) 6-0, 6-0.

Worcester came out of the singles match ahead 5-1 as Alexis Silk (Greenfield, Mass.) and newcomers Lauren Taylor (Attleboro, Mass.) and Isabel Badeau (Cumberland, R.I.) came away with the numbers, defeating MCLA's Anna Despart (Castleton-on-Hudson), Mariza Sfakianaki (Williamstown, Mass.), and Briana Higgins (Tewksbury, Mass.), respectively.

MCLA's sole point from the singles match came from Sam Gawran (S. Hadley, Mass.) who defeated Nathalie Khafaga (Auburn, Mass.) 6-3, 6-2.

"Our freshman had a good showing today as Isabel had her first singles win and Lauren dominated play in both singles and doubles," added Blais.

Scoring one of two points for the Lancers in the doubles contest was the duo of Taylor and Khafaga who defeated their opponents Higgins and Sarah Hachadourian (Longmeadow, Mass.) 8-2 at the No. 2 spot. Worcester's last and seventh point came from partners Jankins and Silk who defeated Deaso and Sfakianaki 8-4.

MCLA's Bespart and Gawran notched the Trailblazers' second and last point of the day in their doubles win over Green and Badeau 8-5.

The Trailblazers resume play tomorrow (Sep. 14) as they host Lyndon State at 3:30 p.m. in their first conference match of the season.  Worcester State takes a break until Friday (Sep. 16) when they host Roger Williams at the Wachusett Regional High School tennis courts at 3:30 p.m.