NEWBURGH, N.Y. - Mount Saint Mary College defeated Purchase College, 5-1, in Thursday's Skyline Conference semifinals.  With the win, the Knights improve to 14-5 on the season, tying the school record for wins in a season.

A strong effort in the doubles sparked the Mount.  Sophomore Conor Merryman (Marlboro, N.Y.) and freshman Dan Witke (Brooklyn, N.Y.) got things started with an 8-2 win at third doubles and junior Stat Willand (Sparta, N.J.) and freshman Mike Balokoz (Milford, Conn.) followed with an 8-3 win at number two.  The key match, however, came at number one.  Junior Greg Jacob (Ridgefield, Conn.) and sophmore Nate Dimmie (Middletown, N.Y.) outlasted their opponents for a 9-7 victory.

Purchase tightened up the match with a win at number two, but the Knights took back control when Witke pulled out a 6-1, 6-3 victory at number five.  The win was Witke's 16th singles win of the year, setting a new program record for wins in a season.  WIth the team now leading 4-1, Willand provided the clinching point with a 6-1, 7-6 (7-3) victory at third singles.

The Knights advance to the Skyline Championship match on Saturday.