Jakubas sisters lead Panthers in conference opener

            HOLDERNESS, N.H. – The Plymouth State University women's tennis team opened defense of its Little East Conference championship Saturday afternoon, posting a 9-0 sweep over the University of Southern Maine in the Panthers' season opener at the Holderness School Courts.

            PSU which completed a 14-0 fall season a year ago, recorded its ninth straight LEC regular season victory. USM drops to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.

            The Panthers were led by returning All-Conference selections Zara Jakubas and Sunny Jakubas (Califon, N.J./Voorhees). Zara won by 6-0, 6-1 scores at No. 1 singles and teamed with freshman Kelley Corson (Exeter, N.H.) for an 8-0 victory at No. 1 doubles. Sunny was a 6-0, 6-0 winner at No. 2 singles and paired with junior Rachel Gustafson (Belchertown, Mass.) for an 8-0 decision at No. 2 doubles.

            Corson and Gustafson were also double-winners for PSU, taking their singles matches at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

            Freshman Irene Ireme (Concord, N.H.) also won twice for PSU, posting a straight-set win at No. 5 singles and teaming with classmate Megan Wheeler (Manchester, N.H./Central) at No. 3 doubled. Sophomore Megan Wallace (Moultonborough, N.H.) rounded out the wins for PSU at No. 6 singles.

            Senior Emily Estes (Gorham, Maine) gave a strong performance for USM at No. 3 singles, winning the second set before losing in a third-set super-breaker, 10-5.

            PSU is right back in action Sunday at 11:00 a.m. with a non-conference match at Saint Anselm College. Southern Maine returns home to host LEC pre-season favorite Rhode Island College in Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1:00 p.m.

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