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Fontanese Hits Milestone as Men's Tennis Takes Two

Fontanese Hits Milestone as Men's Tennis Takes Two

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Ursinus College men's tennis team stretched its winning streak to four with a pair of dominating victories over DeSales and Northwestern (Minn.) on its second day of competition in Florida.

Matt Fontanese became the latest Bear to reach 50 career wins in the team's 8-1 triumph over DeSales, and Ursinus continued its roll with a 9-0 sweep in the nightcap.

Needing a single win to reach his milestone, Fontanese got it out of the way quickly. With partner Mason Groff, the junior secured an 8-2 victory at No. 1 doubles to help the Bears counteract an early deficit as DeSales had taken the third doubles court.

Fontanese became the third Bear in less than two weeks to reach 50 career wins, joining Groff and Connor DeFaber-Schumacher.

DeFaber-Schumacher and Simbarashe Kanjanda followed moments later with an 8-2 win at No. 2 doubles, giving Ursinus a 2-1 edge heading into singles.

The Bears dominated on the singles courts, winning in straight sets everywhere except at No. 6. After the Bulldogs claimed that one to pull into a 2-2 deadlock, Ursinus ran off 10 straight sets to pull away.

Fontanese gave the Bears the lead for good with a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 2. Kanjanda's 6-4, 6-1 result at No. 5 was succeeded by Groff's match-clinching 6-3, 6-2 decision on the top court. DeFaber-Schumacher rolled 6-2, 6-2 at No. 3, and Kyle Bookman polished off the morning session with a tough 6-3, 7-5 decision at No. 4.

Northwestern offered some resistance, but the Bears were able to fend off every advance. Groff and Fontanese matched DeFaber-Schumacher and Kanjanda with an 8-3 win at No. 1 doubles before Bookman and Mandel held on for an 8-6 victory at No. 3.

Groff (6-0, 6-2) and DeFaber-Schumacher (6-0, 6-0) were big winners at first and third singles, respectively. Bookman (6-4, 6-1) and Kanjanda (6-2, 6-1) also won in straightforward fashion at No. 4 and No. 5.

Fontanese bested Matthew Wedin in a close 6-3, 7-6 (4) tussle, and Mandel capped the sweep with a 6-4, 3-6, 10-6 win at No. 6.

The Bears look to cap an undefeated spring break trip against Piedmont on Thursday morning.