HERMON, Maine - The Husson University women's tennis team began their North Atlantic Conference title defense on Saturday afternoon with a 7-2 victory over Thomas College (1-2, 0-1 NAC) at their new home of Hermon High School. 

The first doubles pairing of seniors Hannah Malinen and Juila O'Leary got the Eagles (3-0, 1-0 NAC) off to the right start with a 8-1 victory followed by a victory in the third doubles pairing via senior Emily Titlton and sophomore Hannah Duley, 8-6. 

In singles, the Eagles won five matches including four in straight sets. #1 Malinen finished her match, 6-3, 6-4, while senior #3 Emily Doten took her match, 7-5, 7-6. Senior #4 Molly Chicoine (6-1, 6-1) and sophomore  #6 Lexi Thompson (6-2, 6-1) made easy work of their matches while #5 senior Nicci Munore won her match in a third round tiebreaker, 6-1, 1-6, 10-2. 

The two teams will rematch on Wednesday but in Waterville for a non-conference match.