Flushing, N.Y. St. Johns mens tennis (6-6 overall 2-2 BIG EAST) dropped a great match to Rutgers, 5-2 today at the USTA National Tennis Center. The Red Storm, who were without the services of No. 1 singles player Erik Scharf, did prove they are among the BIG EASTs best.
St. Johns was led by captain Jake Maxwell (Glen Cove, N.Y.) who defeated Greg Schweitzer at the No. 2 spot, 6-2, 6-2. Maxwell rose to the occasion and played some of the best tennis he has all season, knowing this would be a tough match for the Red Storm to capture. Brian Scharf (Bronxville, N.Y.) was also on top of his game. B. Scharf cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 3 singles over Brook Deming.
The Red Storm were unable to gain any points at the other four positions. In a tough match, Fabian Carchi (Corona, N.Y.) fell 6-4, 6-3 to Akshay Jagdale, one of the best players in the region. Carchi was playing No. 1 singles for the first time this season and hung tough for the entire match. Christian Carere (Brampton, Canada) lost the first set, 6-3 and played well in the second set, but eventually fell 7-5. Cameron Lore, playing No. 5 singles, dropped two sets, 6-4, 6-3 to Takash Zetsu. In the rematch between Nikhil Teppara (Mississauga, Canada) and Joey Muscatiello, Muscatiello emerged victorious. Teppara played well, but lost 6-2, 6-1.
St. Johns was unable to capture any of the doubles matches.
Head coach Greg Bolitsky was happy with his teams performance today. Even though we were without our No. 1 player, I think the guys showed today that they have gained momentum in the spring season. Todays match proved that we are geared up to take on Boston College, Providence and Villanova. The guys proved they are ready for the BIG EAST championships.
The Red Storm take on the Knights tomorrow at Queens College at 3:00 pm. They then head north to Boston for an important BIG EAST match-up against the BC Eagles on Sunday, April 8 at Noon.
Doubles
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