Box Score DANBURY, CONN. - Western Connecticut State University were edged by visiting Salem State University, 5-4, at Westside Courts on Saturday afternoon.

Making their team debut for WestConn were freshmen Sarah Cipriano (Watertown, Conn.) and Sophie Charbonneau (Oakville, Conn.) at second-flight doubles.   The Watertown High School duo partnered to defeat Samantha Tenney and Abbie Laliberte, 8-6, in their first-ever collegiate match.

Shortly afterward, Maria Madden (Rhinebeck, N.Y.) and Brooke Stillman (Danbury, Conn.) won at #3 doubles, 8-6, over Miah Reyes and Cassie Liu.

While getting her second win of the day, this time at #5 singles, Charbonneau ended the afternoon coming from behind after losing the first set to win in three sets, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3.

WestConn's other victory came earlier at third-flight solos when Diana Rebelo (Naugatuck, Conn.) defeated Tenney, 6-3, 6-2.

"It was a tough loss today," explained WestConn head coach Shawn Stillman.  "We knew it was going to be close, and we just fell short  This match will be a valuable learning experience for our team toward future matches."

Earning victories for the Vikings were Anastasia Startseva and Alexandria Floyd at top doubles, 8-0, over Melanie Grasso (New Fairfield, Conn.) and Rebelo;  Startseva over Grasso as first-flight singles (6-1, 6-0); Floyde over Cipriano at #2 solos (6-2, 6-1); Laliberte in straight sets over Madden at #4 singles (6-3, 6-3) and Liu over Stillman at sixth singles (6-0, 6-0).

WestConn will close out the weekend in Gotham City on Sunday when they travel to John Jay College of Criminal Justice for a 1 pm match.