Bearcats split final two matches at St. Bonaventure Duals

OLEAN, N.Y. - Binghamton (6-4) defeated Niagara (5-2) and lost to host St. Bonaventure (4-3) on Sunday's final day of the St. Bonaventure Duals. Playing without No. 3 singles player Brad Sherwood, who is out with an abdominal injury, the Bearcats swept all five singles matches in straight sets against Niagara in the morning match. But the host Bonnies returned the favor in the afternoon, winning four of the five singles tilts, including two that went to a third-set super tiebreak.

"We fought to the bitter end," BU head coach Michael Starke said. "I'm happy with the way we played. The guys showed a lot of fire."

Sophmore No. 1 Akshay Rao (New Delhi, India) was the lone double-winner. He defeated his Niagara opponent 6-2, 6-1, and then posted a 6-3, 2-6, 10-3 win over a strong opponent from St. Bonaventure. Rao raised his overall record to 18-2 this year, 9-1 in dual matches.

Binghamton 5, Niagara 2

DOUBLES
Steve Spencer/Krishna Vallabhaneni (BU) def. Bozanich/Kelly (N) 6-3, 6-2

SINGLES
Akshay Rao (BU) def. Erik Garcia (N) 6-2, 6-1
Brad Davidoff (BU) def. Jason Ramos (N) 6-2, 6-3
Brian O'Connor (BU) def. Jason Pope (N) 6-4, 6-1
Rodrigo Valle (BU) def. Kris Hrisovollis (N) 6-4, 7-6
Ryan Rosenthal (BU) def. John Abella (N) 6-0, 6-2

St. Bonaventure 4, Binghamton 3

DOUBLES
Steve Spencer/Krishna Vallabhaneni (BU) def. Qureshi/Corbin (SB) 6-2, 6-2

SINGLES
Akshay Rao (BU) def. Mario Arce (SB) 6-3, 2-6, 10-3
Mikko Hamlos (SB) def. Brad Davidoff (BU) 6-2, 2-6, 10-1
Vili Narmi (SB) def. Brian O'Connor (BU) 4-6, 7-6, 13-11
Nilchil Murali (SB) def. Rodrigo Valle (BU) 7-6, 6-2
Adam Price (SB) def. Ryan Rosenthal (BU) 6-4, 6-3