Kings Point, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's tennis team dropped its season-opener, 8-1, to the United States Merchant Marine Academy on the road on Saturday afternoon.

The loss ensures the Golden Eagles start the season with a 0-1 record overall and in Skyline Conference play. The Mariners improve to 2-4 overall (1-0 Skyline) on the year.

SJC dropped all three doubles matches with junior Kyle Conway and freshman Ryan Freeley faring best at second doubles (8-3).

Sophomore Damian Duda picked up St. Joseph's only victory of the afternoon, edging USMMA's Matt Hazelwood 6-3, 6-3 at fifth singles. Freeley, who was edged 5-7, 2-6 at third singles, nearly picked up a second victory for SJC.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday, March 31 when they head up to the Bronx to face Lehman College in a non-conference contest at 12:00 pm.