Feb. 6, 2010

AMBLER, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's men's tennis team dropped a 6-1 decision on Friday night to conference foe Xavier at the Upper Dublin Sports Center. Earning a win for SJU was freshman Alex Veronis, who earned his first career dual match victory in the second flight.

Veronis took down XU's Richard Canelas in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (2). Performing well in defeat for the Hawks were senior Michael Stauble and freshman Tommy Gates, as both of their matches went the distance.

Head coach Ian Crookenden expressed satisfaction in the squad's performance.

"It was an excellent match," he said. "It was a close match, and we had improved performances from Veronis, Stauble, and Gates. The team is starting to show its potential."

As was previously announced, the matches against La Salle and Saint Peter's slated for Jersey City, N.J. on Saturday afternoon have been postponed. Saint Joseph's next travels to Norfolk, Va. for the Old Dominion Invitational on Friday, Feb. 12.

Xavier 6, Saint Joseph's 1

Singles
1. Chris Herrlinger (Xavier) def. Michael Stauble (Saint Joseph's), 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
2. Alex Veronis (SJU) def. Richard Canelas (XU), 6-4, 7-6 (2)
3. Patrick Bandy (XU) def. Matt Prusack (SJU), 6-2, 6-3
4. J.T. Torbeck (XU) def. Nick Tuxen (SJU), 6-3, 6-4
5. Brandon MacDonald (XU) def. Lucho Perez-Abreu (SJU), 6-0, 6-0
6. Brian Starr (XU) def. Tommy Gates (SJU), 2-6, 6-4, 10-7 (STB)

Doubles
1. Bandy / Herrlinger (XU) def. Peter Cognetti / Veronis (SJU), 8-6
2. Anthony Palmenter / Starr (XU) def. Stauble / Prusack (SJU), 8-5
3. Marc Pretorius / Torbeck (XU) def. Gates / Tuxen (SJU), 8-2