SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 21, 2026) – Western New England women's tennis junior Kayla Ledoux and WNE men's soccer junior Tyler Lewis have both received honors this week, being named Golden Bear Athletes of the Week, following outstanding weeks on the hard court and grass. 

Ledoux came away with her first victory of the season in both singles and doubles action in the first Conference of New England match for WNE against the University of Hartford. Ledoux, paired with teammate Yasmine Giacalone, came up with a 6-0 sweep in the third doubles position to help the Blue and Gold secure a doubles point in the victory over the Hawks. In singles action, Ledoux picked up a convincing 6-0, 6-2 win in the fourth singles position, helping WNE complete the 7-0 victory over Hartford. In Saturday's CNE match against Colby-Sawyer, Ledoux put up a fight in both singles and doubles play, coming up just short in both matches. With Giacalone, Ledoux fought to a 7-5 defeat in doubles play, the closest of the three doubles matches for the Golden Bears. In singles play, Ledoux was one of just two Golden Bears to force a third set, fighting off her opponent in the second set in a tiebreak to come away with the 7-6 (5) victory before falling in the final set of the match. Ledoux fought through a tough battle, though led WNE to much success on the week. 

Lewis and the Golden Bears played in just one game this week, looking to bounce back from a difficult loss last time out on home field against Nichols College. The Blue and Gold fell behind 2-0 early this past week at Roger Williams, though Lewis would lead the comeback for the Golden Bears to save a point and tie last season's CNE champions. Lewis netted his first goal of the season in the 54^th minute, scoring on a rebound chance to put the Golden Bears on the scoreboard. In the 69^th minute, Lewis' free kick led to a tally to even the score, picking up his second assist of the season, helping the Golden Bears play level with the Hawks, earning a big point in the CNE standings. 

WNE women's tennis plays three matches in three days this week, heading to Roger Williams University on Wednesday, September 23, and UMass-Dartmouth on Thursday, September 24, before hosting Endicott College on Friday, September 25, to close out the week. 

WNE men's soccer takes on top-ranked Wesleyan University on Tuesday, September 22, at 4:30 PM at Suprenant Field. The Golden Bears return to CNE play on home field this coming Saturday, September 26 at 2:30 PM, hosting Wentworth Institute of Technology.