Western New England Edges Men's Tennis

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Host Western New England University took four of six singles matches to erase a 2-1 deficit at the conclusion of doubles play and defeat Wentworth, 5-4, in Commonwealth Coast Conference action.

After sophomore Andy Chen (New Taipei City, Taiwan) and senior Matt Levine (Brockton, Mass.) dropped an 8-0 decision at number three doubles, the Leopards took the next two doubles flights to take a 2-1 lead. Junior Juan Rodriguez (Quito, Ecuador) teamed with senior Nate Gove (Scarborough, Maine) to win, 8-3, at number one, followed by a 8-4 win at number two by senior Joe Centola (Hopkinton, Mass.) and junior Dave Filar (Wolcott, Conn.).

Chen was defeated at number five, 6-0, 6-3, followed by a 6-0, 6-2 win by Rodriguez at number one to make it 3-2 in favor of Wentworth. However, the Golden Bears won at number four and number three to take a 4-3 lead and used a straight set win at number six to clinch the match. Gove won at number two, 7-5, 7-5, to round out the match.

Wentworth New England improves to 4-5 overall and 2-1 in CCC play. Wentworth falls to 3-3 (1-2) and is at Endicott on Wednesday.

Western New England 5, Wentworth 4

 Singles competition
1. Juan Rodriguez (WIT) def. Chris Holzinger (WNE) 6-0, 6-2
2. Nate Gove (WIT) def. JonPaul Ouellette (WNE) 7-5, 7-5
3. Shawn Fitzpatrick (WNE) def. Joe Centola (WIT) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
4. Greg Tischofer (WNE) def. Dave Filar (WIT) 6-4, 6-4
5. Peter Lefrancois (WNE) def. Andy Chen (WIT) 6-0, 6-3
6. Tyler Unwin (WNE) def. Matt Levine (WIT) 7-5, 6-3

 Doubles competition
1. Juan Rodriguez/Nate Gove (WIT) def. Chris Holzinger/Peter Lefrancois (WNE) 8-3
2. Joe Centola/Dave Filar (WIT) def. JonPaul Ouellette/Peter Nassar (WNE) 8-4
3. Shawn Fitzpatrick/John Mindek (WNE) def. Andy Chen/Matt Levine (WIT) 8-0