Captains Lead Golden Bears Past Johnson State in Women's Tennis Opener

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--Western New England used impressive performances from a freshmen duo and solid leadership from captains Linda Mustafa and Ashley Lauricella to earn a convincing 9-0 victory in non-conference women's tennis action Friday over visiting Johnson State at the Volvo Outdoor Courts. It was the season opener for both schools.

"The manner in which this team conducts itself both on and off the court came through in the victory today," WNE coach Jennifer Kolins said. "Their hard work, selflessness and determination exhibited during our opener today has set the tone for the season." 

Mustafa, a graduate student, won twice at No. 2 doubles--with senior Kelsey Grode-- by a 8-1 score and No. 2 singles, 6-3, 6-2.

Lauricella came through with an 8-1 No. 3 doubles victory with fellow senior Lindsey Brudvig and completed the double-win at No. 6 singles, 6-0, 6-2.

Each making their collegiate debut in a Golden Bear uniform, Caleigh Curran and Joeanna Glantz combined for three points to their team's score. First, they teamed up for a No. 1 doubles triumph at 8-1. Curran also captured a shortened No. 1 singles match, taking the first set 6-1 and leading 5-0 in the second before her opponent was forced to retire. Glantz, meanwhile, picked up a No. 3 singles win, 6-3, 6-0.

DOUBLES
D1: Caleigh Curran/Joeanna Glantz (WNE) def. Deanna Brandstetter/Annette Kaminski 8-1
D2: Linda Mustafa/Kelsey Grode (WNE) def. Maegan Ploof/Kate Murphy 8-1
D3: Ashley Lauricella/Lindsey Brudvig (WNE) def. Michelle Mainus/Eden Towers 8-1

SINGLES 
S1: Caleigh Curran (WNE) def. Deanna Brandstetter 6-1, 5-0 (ret.)
S2: Linda Mustafa (WNE) def. Annette Kaminski 6-3, 6-2
S3: Joeanna Glantz (WNE) def. Maegan Ploof 6-3, 6-0
S4: Lindsey Brudvig (WNE) def. Kate Murphy 6-0, 6-0
S5: Kelly Byrnes (WNE) def. Michelle Mainus 6-0, 6-2
S6: Ashley Lauricella (WNE) def. Eden Towers 6-0, 6-2