Oct. 8, 2010

PHILADELHPIA - Joseph LaBate, playing at No. 3 singles for the first time this season, picked up his third straight victory for the Explorers as they defeated USP 5-2.

LaBate easily took the first set 6-1, but fell 6-7 in the second set before taking the tiebreaker 7-2.

With the victory, La Salle improves to 5-3 on the season.

“I was proud of how the team stepped up today,” head coach Ed Colfer said. “This win should give the team the right attitude going up into a tough match against St. Francis tomorrow.”

Mikel Kosich turned in a strong performance at No. 5 singles. After dropping the first three games, the freshman came back to win the next 12 and to take his match.

Robert Knaster and Hunter Selman also posted victories for La Salle.

In doubles action, the pairs of George Gennaoui and Selman at No. 2 and Robert Knaster and LaBate No. 3 notched wins to give La Salle the point.

The Explorers meet St. Francis on Saturday at 10:00 am on the La Salle campus. 

Singles
1. David Kazakezich (USP) def. George Gennaoui (LAS), 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)
2. A. Vargas (USP) def. Trevor Donovan (LAS), 6-3, 7-5
3. Joseph LaBate (LAS) def. Joshua Garcia (USP), 6-1, 6-7, 7-2
4. Robert Knaster (LAS) def. William Fine (USP), 6-3, 6-2
5. Mikel Kosich (LAS) def. Roger Van Scyoc (USP), 6-3, 6-0
6. Hunter Selman (LAS) def. Christopher Lukose (USP), 6-3, 2-6, 6-2

Doubles
1. Kazakezich/Vargas (USP) def. Donovan/Kosich (LAS), 8-4
2. Gennaoui/Selman (LAS) def. Alexander Garcia/Fine (USP), 8-6
3. Knaster/LaBate (LAS) def. J. Garcia/Van Scyoc (USP), 8-6