Leopards Suffer First Setback of 2011

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Western New England men's tennis team opened play in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) with an 8-1 victory over previously unbeaten Wentworth Institute of Technology Saturday afternoon (Mar. 26).

This was the fifth consecutive victory for the Western New England who raised its record to 5-2. The Leopards fall to 2-1 overall with the same mark in conference play.

Coach Jenn Kolins' squad captured all three doubles matches with senior co-captains Brian Relihan (Orange, CT) and Mike Jones (Stone Ridge, NY) taking their number one doubles flight with an 8-3 victory.

Sophomore Chris Holzinger (Foster, RI) and junior JonPaul Ouellette (Bethlehem, CT) teamed for an 8-3 win at number two doubles. Senior Matt Minahan (Plymouth, MA) and junior Shawn Fitzpatrick (Burnt Hills, NY) combined for an 8-5 decision at the number three spot.

In singles play, Jones (6-1, 6-0), Holzinger (6-2, 6-0), Ouellette (6-2, 6-2), and Minahan (6-1, 6-3) each captured their number two through five matches, respectively, in straight sets.

Senior Tim Santye (Skillman, NJ) had the closest outing rallying for a 4-6, 6-3 (10-7) victory at number two singles.

Wentworth's only point came at number one singles with sophomore Juan Rodriquez (Quito, Ecuador) posting a 6-1, 6-1 victory.

Before the match, there was a moment of silence for former Golden Bears' standout Chris Blaine who died last week at the age of 30.

-Release Courtesy of Western New England Sports Information-