By Andrew Grossman
Ewing, NJ...The College of New Jersey men's tennis team ended the regular season in fine fashion as they moved their winning streak to six straight, dropping a competitive Stevens Institute of Technology with a final score of 5-4.
Prior to the match, TCNJ honored its four seniors for their hard work and dedication to the program. That group included
Bill Carrig (Shamong, NJ/Seneca),
Stewart Fernandez (West Windsor, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South), Steven Fernandez (West Windsor, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South), and
Dan Lee (Abington, PA/Abington).
For sixth consecutive match, the Lions led after the doubles round. After falling at number one doubles, the Lions were not phased and made a quick recovery. Shortly after shaking hands from that match, TCNJ tied things up at 1-1 in third doubles. Partners
Marc Nichols (Lawrenceville, NJ/Princeton) and
Jordan Cruz (Manasquan, NJ/CBA) started out strong and never looked back, breezing 8-1. All eyes were then on the doubles pair of
Steven Fernandez and
TJ Riley (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown). They did not hesitate however, as they broke the tie, winning 8-5.
The Lions then used their doubles momentum as they stormed the singles courts.
Gabe Allen (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown) and
Stewart Fernandez both won quickly with a score of 6-0 6-0 and 6-2 6-1, respectively. Lee capped off the match getting the fifth point, winning 6-1 6-2.
Next up for the Lions is the announcement of the field for the 2012 NCAA Division III Tournament, which will be revealed on May 7.
The College of New Jersey 5, Stevens Ducks 4
Singles competition
1. Chris Rosensteel (SIT) def.
Steven Fernandez (TCNJ) 6-2, 6-1
2. Andrew Riggs (SIT) def.
Marc Nichols (TCNJ) 6-3, 3-6, 10-7
3. Shota Tasaki (SIT) def.
Howard Telson (TCNJ) 6-0, 6-2
4.
Stewart Fernandez (TCNJ) def. Derek Smith (SIT) 6-2, 6-1
5.
Dan Lee (TCNJ) def. Brian Liebeskind (SIT) 6-1, 6-2
6.
Gabe Allen (TCNJ) def. Cole Liguori (SIT) 6-0, 6-0
Doubles competition
1. Chris Rosensteel/Shota Tasaki (SIT) def.
Stewart Fernandez/
Howard Telson (TCNJ) 8-2
2.
Steven Fernandez/
TJ Riley (TCNJ) def. Andrew Riggs/Derek Smith (SIT) 8-5
3.
Jordan Cruz/
Marc Nichols (TCNJ) def. Cole Liguori/Brian Liebeskind (SIT) 8-1
