Philadelphia U. 5 Rider 4

College Tennis
Women: Philadelphia University 5, Rider University 4
Men: Philadelphia University 7, Rider University 2

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.--Both the Rider University men's and women's tennis teams lost at Philadelphia University to open the 2009 season Sunday afternoon.

"We've only been practicing for a week," Rider head coach Ed Torres said. "Philadelphia has three to four matches under their belt. They were able to start a little earlier being a Division II school and the difference showed. They were a little more in tune to a competitive match where we've just been practicing so far. That's why we schedule a D-II school early so we have a chance to get the kinks out."

For the Rider women, freshman Marly Roche (Sussex/High Point Regional) won her first collegiate match in straight sets 6-2, 6-0 and teamed with sophomore Tricia Ashmore (Sparta) to win second doubles 8-5. Ashmore won at third singles when her opponent was forced to retire due to an injury.

For the Rider men, junior Chris Esposito (Ocean Grove/Neptune) won at fifth singles 7-6, 4-6, 10-5 with seniors Will Haight (Sewell/Washington Township) and Marc Ashed (Vineland) teaming up for an 8-4 win at first doubles.

Also for the Bronc women, junior Amanda Matticks (Sewell/Washington Township) and senior Alyssa Markovits (Scotch Plains/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) teamed up for an 8-5 win at third doubles.

"It was good to get a real match under our belt this early in the season," Torres added. "Philadelphia has a very strong men's team. Their women's team was also pretty good but the men's side was stronger."

The Rider men host Lafayette September 19 with both the men's and women's team traveling to Delaware State September 20.

-RU-

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Players Mentioned

Alyssa Markovits: 4' 11"; Sophomore

Amanda Matticks: 5' 3"; Freshman

Tricia Ashmore: 5' 6"; Freshman

Marc Ashed: 6' 1"; Sophomore

Chris Esposito: 5' 7"; Freshman

Will Haight: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Marly Roche: 5' 5"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Alyssa Markovits
: 4' 11"; Sophomore

Amanda Matticks
: 5' 3"; Freshman

Tricia Ashmore
: 5' 6"; Freshman

Marc Ashed
: 6' 1"; Sophomore

Chris Esposito
: 5' 7"; Freshman

Will Haight
: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Marly Roche
: 5' 5"; Freshman