CANTON, N.Y. - The Saint Michael's College men's tennis team opened its 11-match second-semester slate on Sunday with a 9-0 loss to Saint Lawrence University in Newell Field House. The Purple Knights, who were competing for the first time since Oct. 13, slipped to 0-5, while the Saints are 2-0.

Senior Chris Allen (Springfield, Mass./Cathedral) and first-year Hayden Steward (Hamilton, Mass./Pingree School) teamed for the first time this school year, nabbing three points at No. 2 doubles. Junior Michael Matczak (North Kingstown, R.I./North Kingstown) and sophomore Sam Laves (Bedford, N.H./Bishop Brady) each suffered narrow 6-4 opening-set losses during singles setbacks at No. 6 and 5, respectively. Senior Nick Bosco (Glastonbury, Conn./East Catholic) and sophomore Charlie Merry (Kennebunkport, Maine/Kennebunk) joined Laves in taking four points during their matches at No. 1 and 4, respectively.

The Purple Knights host regionally-ranked Merrimack College next Saturday at 1 p.m. The two-time defending Northeast-10 Conference Championship winner, which has also competed in five of the past six NCAA Tournaments, is ranked fifth in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) East Region poll.