College Tennis
Men: Rider University 6, Siena College 1
Women: Siena College 7, Rider University 0
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Match

WATERVLIET, N.Y.—The Rider University men's tennis team won for the first time this fall, defeating Siena College 6-1 on Saturday afternoon.

“I was really excited for the team, winning their first MAAC match of the season,” said head coach Doug Potkay.  “Everyone battled and played well.”

Siena defeated the Bronc women 7-0 in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference match.

For the Rider men, sophomore Diego Delgado (Lara, Venezuela/Colegio Rioclaro) won 6-3, 6-2 at first singles and sophomore Chris Popso (Florence) was a 6-1, 6-1 winner at second singles.

Popso and Delgado teamed up for a 6-1 win at first doubles.

At fourth singles, freshman Brandon Gildea (Manahawkin/Southern Regional) lost the opening set 6-0 before storming back for a 6-1, 6-4 victory.

“Brandon won his first collegiate match,” said Potkay.  “He lost the opening set but rallied and won big in the third.  He used all of his 6-8 frame to attack the net in the second and third sets.”

“It definitely took a lot of weight off my shoulders getting that first win,” Gildea said.  “I was nervous in the first set but attacked more on my forehand in the second set to tie the match and then I went up 3-0 in the third set and just played my match and help on for the win.”

In fifth singles, sophomore Jeremy Van Herwarde (Sussex/Pope John XXIII) won in straight sets 6-2, 6-0 and at sixth singles, freshman Ryan Ciaccio (Mercerville/Hamilton North (Nottingham)) won for the fourth time this season, scoring a 6-2, 6-1 victory.

Gildea and Van Herwarde scored a 7-5 victory at second doubles to clinch the point for the Broncs.

“Brandon and Jeremy came from behind (5-4) to clinch the doubles point,” said Potkay.

“Clinching the doubles point with Jeremy really helped my confidence and I was able to take that into my singles match,” Gildea added.

In women's action, sophomore Kelli Swanson (Wenonah/GCIT) won three games at sixth singles before falling 6-1, 6-2.

“The women competed against a tough and seasoned opponent,” Potkay said.  “All three doubles teams played aggressive and had chances to win some games.  Their extra practice time in the mornings is starting to pay off.”

Rider hosts Quinnipiac University in a MAAC match on Sunday at 1pm.

-RU-