Men's College Tennis
Sacred Heart University 6, Rider University 1

LAWRENCEVILLE—Despite a win at sixth singles and third doubles, the Rider University men's tennis team lost a non-conference match on Thursday afternoon.

“We played extremely well today,” said head coach Doug Potkay.  “I'm proud of the effort.”

For Rider freshman Agaazi Berhane (Williamstown) won at sixth singles 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 and he teamed up with freshman Jeremy Van Herwarde (Sussex/Pope John XXIII) to win at third doubles 8-5.

“Agaazi came through for us,” Potkay said.  “He battled to win a tough three set match.”

For Berhane it was his fourth singles win of the season.

Sophomore Ahmed Al-Shawafi (Pennington/Hopewell Valley Central) won his opening set 6-1 and took his second singles match to three sets before losing 6-4, 6-3.

At third singles, freshman Chris Popso (Florence) also went three sets, losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

“Both Ahmed and Chris came back from losing the opening set to force a third set,” Potkay added.  “In the doubles matches, they all really came down to the ad points and we missed some key opportunities to close out some games.”

Rider hosts Siena and Monmouth on Saturday in a pair of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matches to wrap up the spring season.

-RU-