Worcester State Downs Southern Maine 8-1

            HOLDEN, Mass. -- Junior Molly Gallagher (South Portland, Maine/Deering) provided the University of Southern Maine women's tennis team with its only point Saturday with a straight-sets singles victory as the visiting Huskies fell 8-1 to Worcester State University in a Little East Conference match played at the Wachusett High School courts.

            The loss dropped the Huskies' overall record to 2-5, and 0-3 in Little East play.  The Lancers (5-0) remain undefeated through five matches and are 2-0 in conference play.

            Gallagher defeated senior Danielle Candelieri (Chelmsford, Mass.) at number two singles by scores of 6-3, 6-0.  Gallagher also teamed with junior Sarah Hill (Topsham, Maine/Mt. Ararat) to lose a tough, 9-7 decision to Candelieri and rookie Natalie Paul (Worcester, Mass./Worcester Academy) in the number one doubles match.

            Worcester State swept through the three doubles matches to take an early 3-0 advantage.  Gallagher broke through against Candelieri for the Huskies lone point.  Hill dropped a hard-fought singles match at the top of the ladder to sophomore Shelby Jankins (West Brookfield, Mass./Quabog) 6-4, 7-6 (4).

            Southern Maine is back on the courts tomorrow (12:00 p.m.) hosting Castleton State College.  Worcester State returns to action on Tuesday (3:30 p.m.) traveling to Salem State University for an LEC match.

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