The Saint Vincent men's tennis team opened the 2009 season with an upset victory over Waynesburg College, winning by a score of 5-4.

The day began with doubles action.   SVC's #3 doubles team of Tyler Camaione and Paul DiVincenzo battled in one of the day's closest matches, but fell by a score of 9-7.  The #2 team, Troy Smith and freshman Dan Chirdon, fell behind 5-0 in their match before fighting back but losing by an 8-5 tally.

The top doubles match featured seniors Zac Parkhill an Steve Filipiak, who came out on top 8-6.  "These two play very smart together," said Coach Enrico Campi.  "They make the right decisions, and that's what brought them out on top today." 

Waynesburg held the 2-1 match advantage after doubles play, setting up the singles matches.  

In the #1 spot, Parkhill rebounded after struggling in the first set (0-6), but lost in a second set in a tiebreaker, 7-6. 

At #2 singles, senior Smith exacted revenge for his doubles loss, dominating the first set, 6-0.  After going up 3-0, Smith later found himself in a 3-3 tie in the second set, before fighting back and finishing off the match, 6-3.  "Troy came to play today," said Campi.  "He hit smart shots and just completely overpowered his opponent"

Chirdon, in his first collegiate match, rallied and won in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.  "I was anxious to see how Dan was going to adjust to the collegiate level," said Campi, "and he really proved himself today." 

In the #4 spot, DiVincenzo fought in one of the most exciting matches of the day.  He lost the first set, 6-4, but found his game in the second set, winning 6-3.  However, he lost a close third set, 7-5.    

Filipiak, another senior, was strong in the #5 spot.  He came out hitting hard shots and outplayed his opponent in the first set, 6-2.  The second set was a lot closer, but Filipiak hit skillful shots and won, 7-5.

The #6 singles match went the full three sets, as sophomore Meholic played smart in the first set, using well-placed lobs to win, 6-3.  After losing the second set by a similar 6-3 score, everything rested on the final set, and Meholic used his experience and skill to win by a score of 6-0 and secure the match win for Saint Vincent. "With one year under his belt, Chad showed today that he can maintain focus andkeep himself in the match," said Campi.

The Bearcats are 1-0 on the season, and will host Westminster College at the Greensburg Racquet Club on Monday at 12:30PM.