ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Mount Saint Mary College sophomore Connor Bean (Glenville, N.Y.) captured a dramatic three-set victory on Tuesday night, sending his team to a 5-4 victory over Bard College.  The Knights open the season at 1-0, while the Raptors drop to 1-1.

With the Knights leading 4-3 in the overall match, the match at second singles and the match at sixth singles each progressed to a third and deciding set.  Bean trailed 5-2 in the third set at number six, only to claw his way back to a 6-5 advantage and eventually into a third-set tiebreak.  The sophomore fended off several match points, including one in the tiebreak, before finally prevailing, 11-9 in the tiebreak.  The final score of his match: 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (11-9).

Mount Saint Mary also got key singles points at the first, third, and fifth positions.  Junior Greg Jacob (Ridgefield, Conn.) pulled out a tight first set, 7-5, and completed a straight set win, 6-2 in the second.  At number three, freshman Mike Balokoz (Milford, Conn.) jumped out to an early 5-0 advantage, eventually emerging with a 6-1, 6-3 triumph.  And at number five singles, freshman Dan Witke (Brooklyn, N.Y.) used his consistent attacking style to prevail, 6-2, 6-3.

The Knights trailed 2-1 following the doubles play.  Only Balokoz and sophomore Conor Merryman (Marlboro, N.Y.) came away with a win, taking home a 9-7 decision at second doubles.

Mount Saint Mary will compete at the ITA Northeast Regional Tournament this weekend at Ithaca College.  The team's next dual match is set for Wednesday, October 3 at Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham.