Nichols College Athletics

DUDLEY, Mass. (10/14/2026) - The Nichols College women's tennis team dropped a narrow 4-3 Conference of New England (CNE) decision to Western New England University on Wednesday afternoon at the Robinson Tennis Courts.

With the result, Nichols moves to 3-6-1 overall and 3-4 in CNE play. The Golden Bears jump to 5-6, 4-4 for their conference record.

Prior to the competition, seniors Kaitlyn Tingle, Erin Helly, Pamela Gonzalez Vallardi and Sarah were honored for their collegiate careers on The Hill.

The Bison opened the match with a strong performance in doubles play, earning the point with victories at the top two positions. Gianna Musumeci and Gonzalez Vallardi earned a 6-4 win at No. 1 doubles, while Helly and Cassie Rice secured a 7-6 victory at No. 2 doubles. Western New England claimed the No. 3 doubles match to make it a 1-0 advantage for Nichols heading into singles competition.

Gonzalez Vallardi continued her strong afternoon at No. 1 singles, defeating Emma Miller in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. Rice followed with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Wynter Worth at No. 2 singles to extend the Bison lead.

Western New England responded with victories at Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6 singles to complete the comeback. Helly fell to Malina Dinis in three sets, 7-6, 2-6, 2-6, while Musumeci battled Kayla Ledoux through two tiebreak sets before falling in the deciding set, 6-7, 7-5, 0-6. Kaitlyn Tingle and Sarah Maher also dropped their respective singles matches as the Golden Bears secured the 4-3 team victory.

The Bison will look to recoup in conference competition against Colby-Sawyer College on Saturday October 17th at the Kelsey Courts.

DOUBLES
Musumeci / Gonzalez Vallardi (Nichols) def. Worth / Bilodeau (Western New England), 6-4
Helly / Rice (Nichols) def. Dinis / Catlett (Western New England), 7-6
Giacalone / Ledoux (Western New England) def. Maher / Beaulieu (Nichols), 6-1

SINGLES
Gonzalez Vallardi (Nichols) def. Miller (Western New England), 6-0, 6-2
Rice (Nichols) def. Worth (Western New England), 6-3, 6-2
Dinis (Western New England) def. Helly (Nichols), 6-7, 6-2, 6-2
Ledoux (Western New England) def. Musumeci (Nichols), 7-6, 5-7, 6-0
Bilodeau (Western New England) def. Tingle (Nichols), 6-0, 6-0
Catlett (Western New England) def. Maher (Nichols), 6-2, 6-2