DUDLEY, Mass. (4/3/2026) - The Nichols College men's tennis team hosted Western New England University on Friday at the Robinson Tennis Courts for a Conference of New England (CNE) dual match. Despite dropping a heavily contested point in doubles, the Bison applied pressure in singles competition to triumph over the Golden Bears, 5-2.

Following their win, Nichols College improves to a 5-5-1 record overall, jumping in conference record to 4-1. Western New England's record drops to 5-8, 3-3 in the CNE.

Western New England claimed the opening point by taking two of three doubles matches. The pairing of Felipe Gonzalez and Ezra Raphael provided Nichols' lone win in doubles play, cruising to a 6-2 victory at No. 2, but the Golden Bears held a 1-0 edge heading into singles competition.

Nichols responded emphatically in singles, winning five of six courts. Ezra Raphael got things started at No. 4, earning a convincing 6-1, 6-1 victory to even the match. Andrew Emmel followed shortly after at No. 6 with a dominant 6-2, 6-0 win, giving Nichols its first lead of the day. 

Alexander Snitko continued the surge at No. 3, powering past his opponent to a 6-2, 6-1 victory to push the Bison to a 3-1 lead. Felipe Gonzalez then clinched the match at No. 1 with a strong 6-0, 6-4 performance. Rodolfo Hernandez added insurance at No. 2, winning 6-3, 6-3 to cap off the five singles victories.

The win against Western New England marks the second occasion the Bison have overcome losing the doubles point for a win on the season.

Men's tennis will continue competition tomorrow, starting at Curry College at Trent J. Scott '96 Courts (10:00 AM). The Bison will then compete against Bryant University at the Bryant Tennis Courts (3:30 PM).

Doubles
Rodolfo Hernandez / Alexander Snitko loss to Colby Esposito / Michel Abizaid Nunez, 5-7
Felipe Gonzalez / Ezra Raphael def. Quinn Northrop / Eston Fowler, 6-2
William Bergendahl / Mason Harris loss to Nolan Jermain / Kyle Poccia, 4-6

Singles
Felipe Gonzalez def. Colby Esposito, 6-0, 6-4
Rodolfo Hernandez def. Quinn Northrop, 6-3, 6-3
Alexander Snitko def. Eston Fowler, 6-2, 6-1
Ezra Raphael def. Nolan Jermain, 6-1, 6-1
William Bergendahl loss to Michel Abizaid Nunez, 2-6, 3-6
Andrew Emmel def. Kyle Poccia, 6-2, 6-0