SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Playing what coach Doug Pearson called "one of our best matches of the season," the Western New England College men's tennis team defeated Suffolk 8-1 in the semifinals of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament Thursday afternoon. The Golden Bears will meet regular season champion Emerson in the conference title match at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (April 29) at MIT in Cambridge.

Freshman Mike Willhoft (Manchester, CT) led the way with an exciting two-set victory at the No. 1 singles position. Classmate Jason Lee (Scarsdale, NY) celebrated his 20th birthday in grand style with a comeback win at the No. 2 singles spot for the Golden Bears who improved their record to 11-6.

Western New England College 8, Suffolk 1

Singles
Mike Willhoft (W) def. Andres Fanjul, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5)
Jason Lee (W) def. Pedro Soares, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4
Alex Boutin (W) def. Rodions Podgorbunskihs, 6-2, 6-1
Pete Houser (W) def. Chris Delisi, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1
Connor Fallon (W) def. Garrett Freeman, 6-2, 6-0
Jonathan Riter (W) def. Greg Garrison, 6-2, 2-6, 6-0

Doubles
Mike Willhoft/Pete Houser (W) def. Andres Fanjul/Pedro Soares, 8-1
Greg Kelly/Andrew D'Addio (W) def. Rodions Podgorbunskihs/Garrett Freeman, 8-6
Greg Garrison/Luigi Juarez (S) def. Barton Haskell/John D'Addona, 8-5