READING, Pa. – In a match that took almost four hours, the Western New England College men's tennis team opened its season with a 5-2 victory over host Alvernia University Wednesday (Mar. 21).

Sophomores Jason Lee (Scarsdale, NY) and Mike Willhoft (Manchester, CT) posted victories in straight sets at the No. 2 and No. 3 singles, positions, respectively, and teamed to take the No. 1 doubles match over Zach Lockwood and Ryan Levengood 8-6.

Playing not far from his hometown, junior Jonathan Riter (Bue Bell, PA) got the Golden Bears going with a straight set win at No. 5 singles.

Western New England College 5, Alvernia (Pa.)  1 

Singles
Zachary Lockwood (A) def. Alex Boutin, 6-0, 6-1
Jason Lee (W) def. David Emkey, 6-4, 6-4
Mike Willhoft (W) def. Phil Snyder, 7-5, 6-2
Andrew D'Addio (W) def. Kyle Levenwood, 6-3, 0-6, 6-4
Jonathan Riter (W) def. David Schaeffer, 6-2, 6-2
Connor Fallon (W) def. Ryan Linaweaver, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 (10-6)

Doubles
Jason Lee/Mike Willhoft (W) def. Zachard Lockwood/Ryan Linaweaver, 8-6
David Emkey/David Schaeffer (A) def. Alex Boutin/Andrew D'Addio, 8-6
Phil Synder/Kyle Levenwood (A) def. Connor Fallon/Barton Haskell, 8-1

Note: Doubles count as one point.