MANCHESTER, N.H. - The Saint Michael's College men's tennis team lost a close decision for the second time in five days on Thursday, falling to Saint Anselm College, 6-3, at the Saint Anselm Outdoor Tennis Courts during Northeast-10 Conference play. The Purple Knights are 1-9 overall and 1-7 in the league, while the Hawks improved to 3-8 and 2-4.

The visitors led 2-1 heading into singles thanks to a pair of doubles triumphs. Juniors Ben Lambert (Milford, N.H./Milford) and Hayden Steward (Hamilton, Mass./Pingree School) teamed for a 9-7 win in the top position, while senior Sam Laves (Bedford, N.H./Bishop Brady) and first-year Dan Foley (Wellesley, Mass./Wellesley) captured a 9-8 (8-6) decision at No. 2, clinching the victory in a tie-breaker.

In singles play, Lambert earned his second win of the match by working through a trio of close sets at No. 1 during a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 contest. Four of his teammates absorbed close losses. Foley blanked his foe in the opening set at No. 5 before falling by a 0-6, 6-0, 6-3 count, and Laves lost 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in the third spot. At the second position, senior Charlie Merry (Kennebunkport, Maine/Kennebunk) dropped a pair of 6-4 sets, while junior Patrick Dietz (Prospect, Conn./Woodland Regional) suffered a 7-5, 6-3 setback at No. 6.

Saint Michael's has two regular-season matches remaining, beginning with its final home match on Sunday against regionally-ranked Southern New Hampshire University at 12 p.m. Laves and Merry will be honored during their Senior Day that day. The Penmen lead the NE-10 and are 10th in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) East Region poll.