Melbourne wins in both singles and doubles play

RINDGE, N.H. (October 15, 2015) – The Franklin Pierce University women's tennis team was defeated on Thursday, 7-2, at home by Plymouth State in non-conference play.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 1-13 (1-11 Northeast-10) to conclude its fall season, while Plymouth State improves to 7-5 (5-2 Little East).

Franklin Pierce picked up a point each in singles and doubles play on Thursday, with senior Kirby Melbourne (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) involved in each. At second doubles, Melbourne teamed with fellow senior Nicole Gilooly (East Sandwich, Mass.) to pick up an 8-6 win over Plymouth State sophomore Sunny Jakubas and junior Rachel Gustafson. Later, at third singles, Melbourne bested freshman Kelley Corson, 6-2, 6-1.

All three doubles matches were tightly contested to open play on Thursday, though Plymouth State won each of the other two. At first singles, senior Zara Jakubas and freshman Irene Ireme took an 8-6 decision from sophomore Sonia Rodrigues (Swansea, Mass.) and freshman Kara Brazel (Glastonbury, Conn.). Meanwhile, at third singles, it was a 9-7 win for Corson and senior Peyton Smith over freshman Shelli Safran (Boxborough, Mass.) and senior Lyla Austin (Rindge, N.H.).

Zara Jakubas was one of two Plymouth State players to win in both singles and doubles play on Thursday. She later added a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Rodrigues at first singles.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce tennis apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).