LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University men's tennis team dropped its spring home opener to Villanova, 7-0, Friday afternoon. With the loss, the Broncs slip to 1-9, while the Wildcats improve to 6-5. 

“Villanova had a very strong and experienced line-up,” said Rider Head Coach Doug Potkay. “Brandon and Jeremy played extremely well in singles. Brandon and Griffin played a hard-fought doubles match.”

The Wildcats took the doubles point with a 6-2 victory at No. 1, a 6-1 win at No. 2 and a 6-3 decision at No. 3. Jeremy Van Herwarde battled at No. 6 singles, but fell, 6-3, 6-4, to Jimmy Purdy. Brandon Gildea (Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Regional) also put up a strong fight in the first set at No. 5, but fell to Tommy Mulfur, 6-4, 6-1. The remaining four flights were decided to 6-0, 6-1, or 6-1, 6-0, final scores. 

The Broncs return to action Sunday, when they travel to Fordham. First serve from the Bronx is scheduled for 3 p.m. 

Villanova University 7, Rider University 0

 Singles competition 

1. Miranda, Luis (VILL-M) def. Popso, Chris (RID-M) 6-1, 6-0

2. Roth, Tyler (VILL-M) def. Begley, Matthew (RID-M) 6-0, 6-1

3. Suarez, Stefan (VILL-M) def. Levi, Adam (RID-M) 6-0, 6-1

4. Hurry, Alastair (VILL-M) def. Clark, Griffin (RID-M) 6-1, 6-0

5. Mulfur, Tommy (VILL-M) def. Gildea, Brandon (RID-M) 6-4, 6-1

6. Purdy, Jimmy (VILL-M) def. Van Herwarde, Jeremy (RID-M) 6-3, 6-4

 Doubles competition 

1. Miranda, Luis/Elmore, William (VILL-M) def. Levi, Adam/Begley, Matthew (RID-M) 6-2

2. Roth, Tyler/Dodson, Thomas (VILL-M) def. Popso, Chris/Van Herwarde, Jeremy (RID-M) 6-1

3. Suarez, Stefan/Czlonka, Michael (VILL-M) def. Gildea, Brandon/Clark, Griffin (RID-M) 6-3

Match Notes:

Villanova University 6-5

Rider University 1-9