Box Score
Purchase, NY
(Mar. 18, 2012) – Sunday highly anticipated matchup with conference foe Yeshiva University spelled fourth straight victory for the Purchase College men's tennis team.
The hungry Panthers (4-1, 1-0 Skyline Conference) didn't let their rival slow them down, reeling off their fourth consecutive win in grand fashion. Under the guidance of
head coach Peter Nestel, Purchase stayed hot and coasted to a convincing 7-2 win. Both teams were eager for the contest and it was evident how important the conference opener for both squads was coming in.
The match time was moved from noon to 11 a.m. and both teams were ready to go, showcasing their fierce competitive spirits. Purchase edged Yeshiva last season and the victory played a key role in its entrance into the postseason tournament – something that was once again on the mind of the Panthers and the Maccabees as the two once again squared off.
Purchase jumped out to a comfortable 3-0 lead, sweeping the doubles matches.
Brenden Keeling (JR/Ontario, Canada) and
Roger King* (JR/Yonkers, NY) teamed for an 8-5 win at No. 1;
Maxim Luiggi* (SR/Paris, France) and
Jeremyah Schur (FR/Forest Hills, NY) followed suit with an 8-3 victory at No. 2; and the pairing of
Ben Ekis (SR/Rochester, NY) and
Simon Lai (JR/Garrison, NY) capped the doubles in an 8-3 drumming of Eliezer Gewirtz and Robert Rubin.
Keeling made quick work of Yeshiva standout Zach Charles at No. 1 singles, earning an impressive 6-1, 6-3 win. Schur topped Jeremy Seftel 6-0, 6-3 at second singles.
Although the Panthers would fall at fourth and fifth singles, the match was in good hands following victories at No. 3 and No. 6 singles. King produced a 6-3, 6-1 final at third singles, handing Eitan Gettenberg a defeat, while Ekis wrapped the resounding win in a dog fight. Ekis defeated Eddie Ashkenazie 5-7, 6-2 (10-6) in a marathon affair.
Behind Ephraim Leiderman and Gewirtz, Yeshiva (1-2, 0-1 Skyline) won at fourth and fifth singles, respectively. Those two matches also ran into the tiebreak and easily could have gone Purchase's way as the Panthers dazzled in a sterling conference-opening win.
For the Panthers,
Chris Matchneer (JR/Larchmont, NY) and
Carl Ackley (SR/Shoreham, NY) also performed well in singles exhibitions.
“It was a great day for the team,” Nestel said. “A perfect start to Skyline play.”
The Panthers will return to action Wednesday at Lehman.
