SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--Senior co-captain Linda Mustafa and freshman Kelly Byrnes each picked up victories in both singles and doubles to help the Western New England University women's tennis team to a 6-3 win Saturday over Wentworth in Commonwealth Coast Conference match at the Volvo Outdoor Tennis Facility. The Golden Bears closed the home portion of their fall season in style, improving to 3-7 overall and 2-5 in the CCC on Homecoming. The Leopards, meanwhile, now stand 3-8 and 2-4 after suffering their seventh-consecutive loss after opening 3-1.

The Golden Bears led 2-1 after the doubles competition as Mustafa teamed with Kelsey Grode for a No. 1 doubles triumph over Olivia Hegner and Virginia Ofer, 8-2. Byrnes also won at No. 3 with Juliette Cormier against Nicole McColgan and Val Maccarone, 8-1.

At No. 1 singles, Mustafa defeated Deborah Massaro in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Byrnes, meanwhile, made her singles debut a successful one by turning back Maccarone, 6-4, 6-3, in the sixth spot.

“Today's win was the culmination of all of the players' hard work and commitment this season.  Their persistence every day, both after tough losses and great victories, was the same," Western New England coach Jennifer Kolins said after the match. "They are focused on the big goals, but also the important details.  Going into the match today without injured Val (erie Conway) was difficult, and her teammates rallied around her, overcoming the adversity of not having her on the court by making adjustments in both doubles pairings as well as in singles. 

"Linda led the way through her inspiring play and focus.  She and Kelsey were the first match of the day to finish, playing smart and aggressive tennis in the top doubles position. Kelly was also impressive winning her singles and doubles match with freshman partner Juliette Cormier.  Alysha Lesieur had a tremendous win at second singles, as the first singles finisher of the day followed by Lindsey Brudvig who finished next with outstanding and consistent play.  I am so very proud of the progress this team has made.  They are now focused on the preparation for the challenge ahead this week against Eastern Nazarene.“

Singles:
1) Linda Mustafa (WNE) def. Deborah Massaro, 6-2, 6-3
2) Alysha Lesieur (WNE) def. Olivia Hegner, 6-2, 6-1
3) Lindsey Brudvig (WNE) def. Virginia Ofer, 6-4, 6-1
4) Sophie Boyce (Wentworth) def. Michelle Magliulo, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
5) Nicole McColgan (Wentworth) def. Gillian Adams, 7-5, 6-1
6) Kelly Byrnes (WNE) def. Val Maccarone, 6-4, 6-3

Doubles:
1) Linda Mustafa / Kelsey Grode (WNE) def. Olivia Hegner / Virginia Ofer, 8-2
2) Deborah Massaro / Sophie Boyce (Wentworth) def. Alysha Lesieur / Gillian Adams, 8-2
3) Kelly Byrnes / Juliette Cormier (WNE) def. Nicole McColgan / Val Maccarone, 8-1