April 10, 2007

EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette picked up two singles wins and was victorious in one doubles match, but it was not enough to counter Colgate in a 5-2 Patriot League setback on Tuesday afternoon at Sullivan Courts.

Head coach Eric Ratchford shook things up a bit and teamed sophomore Lee Kojanis and freshman Eric Wiley for the first time this spring. The pair responded with the Leopards' only doubles win, topping John Nogueras and Michael Yanley by an 8-2 score. On the first doubles court, juniors Brett Kraft and Paul Guarino dropped a heartbreaker 8-6.

In singles action, the Leopards came up with a pair of wins in the second and fifth flights. Wiley continued his winning effort with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 triumph over Colgate's Martin McIntyre. Meanwhile, rookie Steven Benezra squeaked out a 7-6 (3), 7-5 win playing in the No. 5 spot.

Overall, the Leopards got strong performances from Guarino at first singles and Kojanis in the fourth slot, but it was not enough for Lafayette to walk away victors.

The Leopards will take just 48 hours to prepare for a trip to Staten Island, N.Y. to take on Wagner on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Match Results 
Colgate 5, Lafayette 2
Doubles1. Innes/Wheeler (C) def. Guarino/Kraft (L) 8-62. McIntyre/Deck (C) def. Benezra/Murphy (L) 8-23. Wiley/Kojanis (L) def. Nogueras/Yanley (C) 8-2
Singles1. Chris Innes (C) def. Paul Guarino (L) 3-6, 6-0, 6-02. Eric Wiley (L) def. Martin McIntyre (C) 6-4, 2-6, 6-23. Marshall Wheeler (C) def. Brett Kraft (L) 6-2, 6-04. Tyler Deck (C) def. Lee Kojanis (L) 4-6, 6-3, (11-9)5. Steven Benezra (L) def. John Nogueras (C) 7-6 (3), 7-56. Michael Yanley (C) def. James Murphy (L) 6-1, 6-4