BABSON PARK, Mass. - Babson College senior captain Austin Conti (Murray Hill N.J.) pulled out a grueling three-set win at number one to clinch the overall match, as the Beavers defeated visiting Roger Williams University, 5-4, in non-conference men's tennis action on Thursday afternoon. It was the first match of the year for Babson, while the Hawks dipped to 0-2 on the season.

Roger Williams senior Dan Kleitz (Wethersfield, Conn.) and junior Kevin Erikson (Tolland, Conn.) picked up an 8-4 win at number one doubles, but Babson took the remaining two matchups to grab a 2-1 overall lead. Sophomore Simeon Human (Trelex, Vaud, Switzerland) and senior Moises Numa (Tallahassee, Fla.) joined forces on an 8-5 win at number two, and junior Taylor Dutton (Portland, Ore.) and sophomore Rushab Tanna (Burlington, Mass.) combined on an 8-6 victory at number three.

The Beavers quickly made it 4-1, as sophomore Artur Dutka (Teaneck, N.J.) and Numa cruised to straight-set victories at fifth and sixth singles, respectively. However, Roger Williams fought back with two straight points, as Kleitz won, 7-5, 6-4 at number three and sophomore Jason Pacino (North Reading, Mass.) rallied for a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 win at four to cut Babson's lead to 4-3.

Conti finally put the match away for the Beavers at one, where he outdueled Hawks junior Jeff DeNunzio (Barrington, R.I.) in a three-set thriller, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-3. That win would prove critical moments later, when Erikson edged Babson first-year Mitchell Henry (Wellesley, Mass.) in a third-set tie-breaker, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4).

- Release courtesy of the Babson College Sports Information Department

Babson College 5, Roger Williams 4

Sep 24, 2010 at Babson Park, MA (Farwell Courts/Boston Sports Club)

Singles competition

1. Austin Conti (BAB) def. Jeff DeNunzio (RWU) 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3

2. Kevin Erikson (RWU) def. Mitchell Henry (BAB) 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4)

3. Dan Kleitz (RWU) def. Simeon Human (BAB) 7-5, 6-4

4. Jason Pacino (RWU) def. Nissim Cohen-Sabban (BAB) 3-6, 7-5, 6-0

5. Artur Dutka (BAB) def. Spencer Withington (RWU) 6-3, 6-3

6. Moises Numa (BAB) def. Nate Rohman (RWU) 6-2, 6-3

Doubles competition

1. Kevin Erikson/Dan Kleitz (RWU) def. Austin Conti/Mitchell Henry (BAB) 8-4

2. Simeon Human/Moises Numa (BAB) def. Jeff DeNunzio/Jason Pacino (RWU) 8-5

3. Rushab Tanna/Taylor Dutton (BAB) def. Nate Rohman/Taylor Webster (RWU) 8-6

Match Notes

Roger Williams 1-0

Babson College 0-2