Match Results

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.

"As a former captain and assistant coach, Chris has left a legacy with our program," said Kolins. "He would be proud of the high standard of excellence that the men on this year's team hold and they certainly represent his memory well. Chris will always be in our hearts."

A formal memorial service for Blaine will be held at a later date.