WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The Roger Williams University men's tennis team opened Conference of New England (CNE) play with a 5-2 victory over the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) on Tuesday at the Elizabeth Ferry Speer Tennis Complex.

Roger Williams secured the win behind a strong showing in singles play, claiming four of six matches after falling in doubles play to Saint Joseph (5-6, 0-2 CNE).

The Blue Jays clinched the doubles point with victories in the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles slots. Bronson DeSisto and Ryan Caroll edged out Karol Romer and Manuel Hernandez-Plaza, 7-5, at No. 1, while Camden Poitras and Konnor Collins fell in a tightly contested match at No. 2 doubles, 7-6 (7-4). Tucker Taylor and Iker Rodriguez Alcocer suffered a 7-5 loss at No. 3 doubles, allowing the Blue Jays to secure the point.

Roger Williams dominated singles play, winning four of the six matchups. Poitras, Taylor, Rodriguez, and Will Hurlbut all recorded straight-set victories. Poitras cruised past Mateus Silvestre at No. 3 singles, 6-3, 6-3, while Taylor shut down Hernandez-Plaza at No. 4, 6-0, 6-4. Rodriguez Alcocer secured the No. 5 singles match with a 6-2, 6-4 decision over Christian Kaverud, and Hurlbut finished the day with a 6-2, 7-5 win at No. 6 singles against Ryan Boucher.

Saint Joseph's Romer claimed the No. 1 singles match, defeating DeSisto 6-1, 6-3, before the No. 2 singles match ended in three sets, with Caroll rallying for a 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-5), 16-14 victory over Rodrigo Torres.

Roger Williams (9-1, 1-0 CNE) will return to action on Thursday, Mar. 27 at 3:30 pm as they travel to Bridgewater State.  The Hawks will then face off against Western New England the following day, Friday, Mar. 28 at 3:30 pm, before hosting Endicott on Wednesday, Apr. 2 at 4:00 pm.