Men’s tennis competed in their last three regular season matches April 15-17. Despite falling to Patriot League opponents Colgate and Lehigh in the first two matches, the team outshone final non-league opponent Bloomsburg on April 17.

With Patriot League Championships approaching on April 20, the team sought to boost its 9-15 overall and 3-2 Patriot League records.

The team kicked off the three matches by traveling to Colgate, a challenging opponent with a 51-17 all-time program lead.  The Raiders narrowly tallied a 4-3 win after the Bison displayed fierce competition for their opponent. Max Kane ’18 and Max Haase ’19 teamed up for a 6-1 win in doubles, but Colgate retaliated with a 6-2 win, ultimately taking the doubles point. Their momentum continued into singles, where Colgate took three of the five singles matches. Andrei Vitiuc ’19 and Max McDonald ’19 posted the two singles wins for the Orange and Blue. Vitiuc won straight sets, 7-5, 6-1, while McDonald went 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

In a quick turnaround, the Bison faced Lehigh in Lancaster, Pa. on April 16. The Mountain Hawks earned a 2-1 win in doubles, followed by three singles victories that led to a 4-1 win for Lehigh. The match was called while Kane and Wright led in two unfinished singles matches. Bryan Adams ’17 posted the lone singles win for the Orange and Blue after going 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

The Bison closed season play with an outstanding performance against Bloomsburg, walking away with an 8-1 victory. The Orange and Blue swept singles play 6-0, starting with a 6-0, 6-1 win by McDonald, followed by a 6-2, 6-4 victory by Colin Sacco ’20. A 6-2, 6-1 win by Timber Erskine ’18 officially sealed the match for the Bison, but the team continued on with three more victories by Wright, Haase, and Kane. Wright and Ben Gerber ’18 paired up in doubles for an 8-4 win, repeated by duo Erskine and Adams. After competition closed, the team had the opportunity to work with Special Olympics athletes.

The Bison will begin post-season at Patriot League Championships on April 20 at Navy.

“I know we are playing the best tennis of the year at this point, have been really close with all of the top Patriot League teams, and we’re missing at least one of our top six players in each match,” head coach Bruce Myers said.  “I strongly believe that we have a chance to play in the title match on Sunday.  I guarantee whatever the outcome of the tournament, I will hold my head high knowing I did my job and my student-athletes competed at their highest level.”