Results
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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Suffolk University received the clinching result in the third set from Abhi Patel to pick up a 4-3 decision against the University of New England in Conference of New England (CNE) men's tennis action on Thursday (Apr. 9) at Blue Cyclone Complex.

The Rams (2-6, 2-6 CNE) gained a 3-2 edge as #4 singles went final, just moments before #1 and #2 singles concluded second sets and were headed to a deciding stanza. At #1 singles, UNE's Drake Turcotte dropped the initial game of the third set, but ending up taking the final five against Christian Gardner to win 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2 and knot up the overall match.

Patel and Liam Miller for the Nor'easters were the last ones left, and Patel bounced back from being broken in the first game to move in front, 2-1. Two holds and two breaks later and it was 4-3 in favor of Patel, who was then able to secure the next two games to seal it for the visitors with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 final at #2 singles.

UNE slips to 3-5 on the year and 2-4 in league play with the outcome, heading into a home date with Western New England University (3-5 CNE) on Saturday (1 p.m.).

Suffolk dropped the opening doubles match -- as Turcotte and Tyler Mason captured #2 doubles by a 6-1 margin -- but the Rams won at #1 and #3 doubles to claim the first point of the afternoon.

It was 2-0 overall when Finnegan Whelden turned in his first victory (6-4, 6-1) at #6 singles, and Franco Leehive followed a couple of minutes later at #3 singles (6-0, 6-2) to level things for the hosts.

The third-tightest match was the #4 singles battle, in which Logan Flor snagged eight games.