Men's College Tennis

Rider University 4, Coppin State 3

BALTIMORE, Md.?Good things come to those who wait.  And if you have to wait an extra 16 days and then move to dry land, for the Rider men's tennis team, that's fine to.  In a match originally scheduled for March 29 that was postponed due to rain, the Rider University men's tennis team moved indoors in rainy Baltimore to defeat Coppin State 4-3 on Tuesday in the final regular season match of the spring season.  “We were starved for a win and it was good to get one,” said head coach Ed Torres.

For Rider (3-15), sophomore Aaron Goldenthal (West Hartford, Conn./Hall) won in straight sets at fourth singles and teamed with sophomore Robert Olsen (Marlton/Cherokee) to win at second doubles.  “Aaron has been playing well in the last few matches,” Torres said.  “He broke into the starting line up and has done well.  He has picked up his play and has been the most consistent winner in the past few weeks.  He has been working very hard in practice and that work is now showing in competition.”

This was the first win for the Bronc men in 2009 and the third victory overall during the 2008-09 academic year and marks career win 199 for 14 year head coach and Rider Hall of Famer Ed Torres.

Also for the Broncs, freshman Mike Kulpinski (Pennington/Notre Dame) won in straight sets at number five singles.

“We hung in and played Coppin tough,” said Torres.  “Even losing the top three singles matches, the scores were pretty close.”

Rider won sixth singles and third doubles by default.  “We had enough to play but one of the Coppin State players didn't show,” Torres said.  “In a season where the wins were few and far between, we'll take any type of break we can get.”

The women's match at Coppin State was rained out due to indoor court availability.

Both the men's and women's teams compete at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships April 17-19 in Flushing Meadows, New York.  “Hopefully we've gained some momentum as we head into MAACs,” Torres added.

-RU-