COLCHESTER, Vt. - In its first match since Oct. 9, the Saint Michael's College men's tennis team lost to regionally-ranked Merrimack College, 6-3, on Saturday in the Tarrant Recreation Center. The Purple Knights slipped to 4-2 overall and 3-2 in the Northeast-10 Conference, while the Warriors, who sit fifth in this week's Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) East region poll, are 4-1 and 2-0.
Saint Michael's trailed by a 3-0 count following setbacks in each doubles position. Junior Eric Parziale (Pinehurst, N.C./Pinecrest) and sophomore Nick Bosco (Glastonbury, Conn./East Catholic) turned in the closest final, taking four points at No. 1.
Bosco earned a 6-1, 6-3 victory in the first singles spot, while junior Kenny Vassallo (Wilmington, Mass./Wilmington) picked up an 8-6 win during a pro set at No. 5. Freshman Billy Wood (Wayne, Pa./Home Schooled) was slated for his first collegiate match in the sixth position but instead earned a point for his team due to his opponent defaulting. Senior Sam Cieplicki (South Burlington, Vt./New Hampton School) narrowly lost his opening set during a defeat at No. 3, as he ultimately dropped a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 decision.
Saint Michael's breaks for nearly a month before hosting Adelphi University on March 24 at 2 p.m.
