Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's tennis team dropped a 5-4 decision to Suffolk County Community College at home on Wednesday afternoon and fell to 1-8 on the season.

Brian Merle and Philip Branigan took the first loss of the afternoon, dropping an 8-3 decision at second doubles. Peter Rasmussen and Matt Dioguardo dropped a tight 9-7 decision at first singles, while Matt Gilley and Victoria Panicola won their third singles fixture by default.

Down 2-1 heading into singles play, Merle's 5-7, 2-6 loss at fourth singles extended Suffolk's advantage to 3-1, but Panicola cut the deficit back to one with a 6-4, 6-3 win at fifth singles.

Next, Rasmussen surrendered his first singles match (3-6, 2-6), but Gilley's 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 decision at third singles kept the Golden Eagles alive, although Dioguardo's defeat at second singles would clinch the win for the Sharks.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Sunday, April 24 when they host St. Joseph's (Brkln) at 12:00 PM. Full recap here at sjcgoldeneagles.com following the action.