College Tennis
Men: St. Francis (Pa.) 5, Rider University 2
Women: St. Francis (Pa.) 7 Rider University 0
LAWRENCEVILLE--Both the Rider University men's and women's tennis teams opened the 2013 spring season with a non-conference loss to the Red Flash of St. Francis (Pa.) on Sunday afternoon.
The men lost 5-2 with the women falling 7-0
For the Rider men, junior Rollie Malfitano (Wenonah/Gloucester Catholic) won at first singles 7-6 (5) and 6-3 with senior Mike Gershon (East Brunswick) posting a come from behind win at sixth singles, 0-6, 6-2, 11-9.
"Both Rollie and Mike played very good matches today," said head coach Ed Torres. "Both were down and came back, especially Gershon. He was losing in the tie-breaker 9-6 and came back and won the final five points in a row to clinch the match. And Rollie, he played a very solid player and this may have been his best match since he has been at Rider. He made a lot of acrobatic shots, pressed and stayed in the match against an excellent opponent."
Malfitano and Gershon teamed up for an 8-6 win at third doubles.
For the Bronc women, sophomore Michelle Caravaglio (Manalapan/Freehold) won three games at second singles before losing in straight sets.
"On the women's side, they just played a better opponent," said Torres. "We were missing a few starters out of the lineup which may have made it a little closer but St. Francis had more experienced players and kept the ball alive more."
The Bronc men travel to Queens College on March 29 for a 2pm match. Both the Rider men and women host Wagner on March 30 at 11am.
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