SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Western New England College women's tennis team came through with a solid effort despite dropping a 6-3 decision to visiting Colby-Sawyer Thursday afternoon (Sept. 4) in its season opener.

This also was The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) opener for both squads.

Colby-Sawyer was picked as the pre-season favorites to win the conference title this fall. The Chargers won five singles matches after losing a pair of doubles matches.

WNEC freshman Christina Barbarisi (Feeding Hills, MA) won her college debut with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 decision over freshman Siobhan Masse (Southbridge, MA) at No. 6 singles.

In doubles action, senior captain Nicole Freed (Jersey Shore, PA) and freshman Jessica Haffner (Suffield, CT) took an exciting 9-8 (7-5 in the tie-breaker) win at the No. 2 flight while junior Kelly Murnane (Cheshire, CT) and sophomore Ashley Czelatka (Southampton, NY) posted an 8-3 victory at the No. 3 position.

This also was the first college match for Haffner, Murnane, and Czelatka.

Colby-Sawyer junior Mary Francis (North Steuben, ME) posted a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 1 singles.