NEWARK, N.J. – Joseph LaBate picked up a win at No. 3 singles, but the men's tennis team fell to NJIT in its spring opener on Saturday afternoon.

“The team really did well against a strong opponent,” head coach Ed Colfer said.

LaBate dropped his first set against Ike Kiro, 2-6, but would rebound to win the second, 6-3, and then prevail, 7-6, in a third-set tie breaker.

The Explorers will next travel to Orlando, Fla. to train over spring break and also play matches against Olivet Nazarene and ASA College.

NJIT 6, La Salle 1
 
Singles
1. Holger Norregaard (NJIT) def. Chas Berenato (LAS) 6-0, 6-0
2. Petr Rousar (NJIT) def. De'Sean Fennell (LAS) 6-3, 6-4
3. Joe LaBate (LASALLE) def. Ike Kiro (NJIT) 2-6, 6-3, 7-6
4. Victor Martinez (NJIT) def. Trevor Donovan (LAS) 7-6, 6-4
5. Fraser Croad (NJIT) def. Dale Fetterman (LAS) 6-1, 6-2
6. Dan Salomon (NJIT) def. Rob Kasinow (LAS) 6-4, 6-0
 
Doubles
1. Victor Martinez/Petr Rousar (NJIT) def. Chas Berenato/De'Sean Fennell (LAS) 8-6
2. Holger Norregaard/Ike Kiro (NJIT) def. Joe LaBate/Trevor Donovan (LAS) 8-4
3. Bryan Keelan/Joao Tasca (NJIT) def. Dale Fetterman/Rob Kasinow (LAS) 8-3