GILFORD, N.H. – Plymouth State University held off the University of Massachusetts Boston, 5-4, to stay unbeaten in Little East Conference (LEC) women's tennis action at the Gilford Hills Tennis & Fitness Club on Saturday afternoon.
 
In a rematch of the 2019 LEC semifinals, the Panthers were able to survive the back-and-forth match. Freshmen Tessa LaBarre (North Smithfield, R.I.) and Elena Cardoso (Hudson, Mass.) and sophomore Camilla Puzio (Holden, Mass.) all won twice for PSU.
 
Plymouth State improves to 3-1 and 2-0 in the LEC, while UMass Boston dips to 1-1 (1-1 LEC).
 
The Basics:

• Plymouth State 5, UMass Boston 4
  • Plymouth State (3-1, 2-0 LEC)
  • UMass Boston (1-1, 1-1 LEC)

How it Happened:

• Puzio and senior Julie Miller (Woburn, Mass.) teamed up for a narrow 8-6 win at No. 2 doubles to clinch the match.
• LaBarre and Cardoso breezed to an 8-0 win at No. 3 doubles.
• The duo extended their string of strong play to start their career with wins in singles play as well. LaBarre went 6-4, 6-2 at No. 3 singles, while Cardoso earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 5.
• Puzio earned a point at No. 6 singles with a straight sets (6-3, 6-0) win.

By the Numbers:

• PSU got some revenge over the Beacons, who topped Plymouth State 5-4 in the most recent meeting.
• LaBarre and Cardoso are undefeated against D-III opponents.
• The two teams have been locked in a number of close battles in recent history, with four of the last six meetings being decided by a single point.

Up Next:

• The Panthers host NVU-Lyndon for two matches tomorrow (Sept. 19) back at the Holderness School Courts. First serve is set for 11:00 a.m.