Feb. 9, 2002

Ithaca, NY---The Marist College men's tennis team (6-3) began the first day of competition at the Cornell University Invitational earlier this morning. Other schools participating in the two-day event include host Cornell, the University at Buffalo, St. Bonaventure, and Binghamton. The Red Foxes defeated Buffalo, 4-3, but lost to Cornell, 7-0.

In a tight match against Buffalo, David Slater (St. Alban's, UK) beat Randy Rocchio at number four singles, 6-4, 6-3. At number five singles Alex Ilchenko (Brooklyn, NY) captured a difficult win over Sean Kelley, 1-6, 6-4, 6-0. In doubles play the Red Foxes clinched the win at number one doubles, with the team of Viktor Sapezhnikov (Brooklyn, NY) and Nick Bass (C'sted, St. Croix) defeating their opponents 7-6 (4), 6-3.

In a difficult match with Cornell, at number two singles Michael Sowter (Perth, Australia) fell to Julian Cheng, 6-2, 6-4. Martin Aldorsson (Kungsbacka, SWE) lost a difficult match to Chris Lewis, 6-2, 6-3. At number one doubles, Sapezhnikov and Bass were beaten, 6-4, 6-3, in the Red Foxes' effort.

The Red Foxes continue the tennis action tomorrow, as they take on St. Bonaventure at 8:00 a.m., and Binghamton at 4:00 p.m.