Visiting Eastern Nazarene Spoils Senior Day in Regular-Season Finale, 7-2

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--The Western New England University men's tennis program honored its student-athletes on Senior Day Wednesday, but visiting Eastern Nazarene spoiled the party with a 7-2 victory in Commonwealth Coast Conference action at the Volvo Outdoor Tennis Courts. The winning Lions improve to 10-7 overall and 6-2 in the CCC, while the Golden Bears drop to 7-9 on the season and 4-4 in the conference.

"We competed well today, and as always will grow from this match. It was an emotional day, knowing that our seniors played their last match on the WNE courts. Words cannot express how much they have given to this program and to WNE as a whole," Western New England coach Jennifer Kolins said. "Right now, their focus, as well as the rest of the team, is on our (conference) playoff match this Saturday against Endicott."

Graduate student Shawn Fitzpatrick picked one of WNE's points in a No. 4 singles win, defeating Kevin Paterno. Fitzpatrick lost the first set 6-2, but fought back to level the match in the second, 7-5. Then they played a 10-point super tiebreaker in which Fitzpatrick won 10-5 to take the match.

Tyler Unwin, a junior, recorded the Golden Bears' other point at No. 6 singles over Nick Thompson, 6-3, 1-6, 1-0 (12-10).

Coach Kolins added: "Prior to the match, both teams took a moment to reflect and remember the victims of the Boston bombings last week. A sign hung on the fence outside of the courts that read "Boston Strong" and both teams observed a moment of silence for the victims. We also came together to sign a poster that read "Boston Strong" and will send it to the memorial site where the bombings took place.

"The people of Boston have showed us this week that the strength of humanity rises above all. The resiliency of the injured has been an inspiration to all of us, as we honored them in a moment of silence today. As we came together as opponents, we were united in admiration for all of the victims. We were appreciative to have the opportunity to play our match in the great state of Massachusetts, with the victims of this tragedy in our hearts.

"Today we were...Boston Strong."

Eastern Nazarene 7, Western New England 2; Apr 24, 2013 at Springfield, Mass.

Singles competition

1. Austin Steelman (ENC) def. Chris Holzinger (WNE-M) 6-2, 6-2

2. Sam McKay-Corkum (ENC) def. Alexander Sause (WNE-M) 6-0, 4-6, 1-0 (10-5)

3. Tim Luz (ENC) def. Andres Otero (WNE-M) 6-3, 6-2

4. Shawn Fitzpatrick (WNE-M) def. Kevin Paterno (ENC) 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 (11-9)

5. Tyler Perron (ENC) def. Ethan Belisle (WNE-M) 6-2, 6-2

6. Tyler Unwin (WNE-M) def. Nick Thompson (ENC) 6-3, 1-6, 1-0 (12-10)

Doubles competition

1. Austin Steelman/Nick Thompson (ENC) def. Chris Holzinger/Peter Lefrancois (WNE-M) 8-5

2. Sam McKay-Corkum/Tim Luz (ENC) def. Andres Otero/Alexander Sause (WNE-M) 8-3

3. Tyler Perron/Kevin Paterno (ENC) def. Shawn Fitzpatrick/Peter Nassar (WNE-M) 8-4

Match Notes