PURCHASE, N.Y. – Despite a quick start in doubles action, the Mount Saint Mary College men's tennis team couldn't carry the momentum into singles play and fell to Purchase College, 6-3, in a Skyline Conference match on Wednesday. The Knights dropped to 2-3 overall.

Senior Ian Jackson (Washington, N.J.) and freshman Kevin Ryan (West Islip, N.Y.) got the Knights off to a strong start with an 8-5 victory at first doubles. Senior John Como (Wingdale, N.Y.) and sophomore Mike McNicholas (Marlboro, N.Y.) followed up with an impressive performance at number two, capturing an 8-6 decision. Purchase took the match at third doubles, 8-6, and trailed 2-1 headed into the singles play.

The Panthers came out strong in the singles competition, winning five of the six matches. McNicholas provided the only victory for the Knights, gutting out a 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4) win at first singles. The win was the first of the year for the sophomore at the top of the lineup.

Senior Matt D'Angelico (Shelton, Conn.) also played a strong singles match, eventually faltering in a third set super tiebreaker. D'Angelico took the first set, 7-5, but couldn't close the door, dropping the second, 6-2, and the superbreaker, 10-6.

Mount Saint Mary continues their Skyline Conference schedule on Saturday with a trip to Farmingdale State College. The Knights will take on the Rams in a 1:00 p.m. start.