Clarks Summit, Pa. (Mar. 19, 2015) - Alvernia University (3-3) got off to a strong start with a 3-0 lead after doubles play, but needed a straight set win from junior Kyle Clark at No. 5 singles to hold on for a 5-4 win over Baptist Bible College (2-2) Thursday afernoon in non-conference men's tennis action at Baptist Bible.

Alvernia opened the day with a convincing 8-0 win at No. 3 doubles by Antonio Gaetani and Jacob Conapitski, then Dan Minnich and Aaron Yuros took an 8-5 decision at No. 1 doubles, and Ben Daubenspeck and Clark earned an 8-4 win at No. 2.

Minnich followed win a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 1 singles and the Crusaders were one point away from winning the match, but had to wait through five singles matches to get it.

Baptist Bible needed three sets to win at No. 2, 3, and 4 singles, and got a straight-set win from Dan Decker at No. 6.  Clark and Wesley Pincince were the last players on the court playing in the now deciding match.  Clark opened up with a 6-3 win in the opening set then took the match with a 6-4 win in the second set.

The Crusaders continue the non-conference schedule on Saturday at Ursinus.

Alvernia 5, Baptist Bible College 4

Singles competition
1. Dan Minnich (ALVMT) def. Benjamin, Adam (BBMT) 6-1, 6-1
2. Fountain, Spencer (BBMT) def. Aaron Yuros (ALVMT) 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 10-7
3. Ellsworth, Connor (BBMT) def. Ben Daubenspeck (ALVMT) 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 10-4
4. Bowman, Dillon (BBMT) def. Jacob Conapitski (ALVMT) 7-5, 4-6, 10-7
5. Kyle Clark (ALVMT) def. Pincince, Wesley (BBMT) 6-3, 6-4
6. Decker, Dan (BBMT) def. Antonio Gaetani (ALVMT) 6-2, 6-4
Doubles competition
1. Dan Minnich/Aaron Yuros (ALVMT) def. Fountain, Spencer/Ellsworth, Connor (BBMT) 8-5
2. Ben Daubenspeck/Kyle Clark (ALVMT) def. Benjamin, Adam/Bowman, Dillon (BBMT) 8-4
3. Antonio Gaetani/Jacob Conapitski (ALVMT) def. Decker, Dan/Pincince, Wesley (BBMT) 8-0
Match Notes
Alvernia 3-3
Baptist Bible College 2-2