College Tennis
Men: Rider University 4, La Salle University 3
Women: Rider University 7, La Salle University 0

LAWRENCEVILLE—Both the Rider University men's and women's tennis teams christened the refurbished campus courts with a win on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rider women swept La Salle University 7-0 and the Bronc men won four of six singles matches after losing the doubles point to pull out a 4-3 victory.

This was the first home match since the campus courts were resurfaced and relined during spring break.

“We christened the newly painted courts with both the men and women teams winning,” said elated head coach Doug Potkay.  “I was little concerned with one day of practice after spring break, but both teams played with confidence and patience, especially with the breezy conditions.”

For the Rider women, freshman Vanessa Canda (Jersey City/McNair Academic HS) won 6-2, 6-1 at first singles, freshman Caitlin Gardner (Fishers, Ind./Fishers) was a winner 6-4, 7-5 at second singles and sophomore Danielle Scrudato (Califon/Voorhees) was victorious 6-2, 6-0 at third singles.

At fourth singles, sophomore Kelli Swanson (Wenonah/GCIT) won 6-3, 6-0, sophomore Aleesha Rouse (Windham, Conn./Windham) won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2 at fifth singles and sophomore Olivia Banks (Baltimore, Md./Franklin) was a 6-1, 6-3 winner at sixth singles.

Canda and Banks won 7-5 at first doubles, Gardner and Swanson won 6-3 at second doubles and Scrudato and sophomore Montana Morris (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) teamed up for a 6-3 victory at third doubles.

“The women came out strong in doubles, winning all three matches,” Potkay said.  “Then they came out with confidence winning all six singles.  I'm proud of the way both teams played today.”

In the men's match, sophomore Diego Delgado (Lara, Venezuela/Colegio Rioclaro) won 6-4, 6-2 at first singles and sophomore Chris Popso (Florence) was a winner, 6-3, 6-2 at second singles.

Sophomore Jeremy Van Herwarde (Sussex/Pope John XXIII) won 6-3, 6-2 at fifth singles and freshman Ryan Ciaccio (Mercerville/Hamilton North (Nottingham)) won his sixth singles match 6-0, 6-1.

“After losing the doubles point, the men battled back,” Potkay said.  “They came from behind to take four out of six singles with Diego and Chris coming out of the gates with the first two wins, followed by Jeremy and Ryan.”

Van Herwarde and sophomore Agaazi Berhane (Williamstown) won the only doubles match for the Bronc men, scoring a 7-5 victory at third doubles.

Both the Rider men and women travel to Niagara University on Friday at 4pm for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference match against the Purple Eagles.

-RU-