Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Lars Kristiansen defeated Julian Katzer at third singles, 6-4, 7-5, in the final match of the day to lead host West CHester to a 5-4 victory over regional foe University of Sciences Monday afternoon on South Campus.
West Chester (5-8) continued its winning ways against programs that have had its number in recent years. The Golden Rams secured their first win over the Devils (5-4) since September 2009. The win helped avenge a 5-3 defeat at the hands of USciences during the fall. West Chester has now won four straight and five of its last six.
"The guys were still a little tired and sore from their big weekend," Tharp explained. "But, they battled to victory. It was a good win for this program."
West Chester knocked off perennial PSAC East powers Bloomsburg and Kutztown on consecutive days this past weekend and are sitting in first place in the conference standings.
Cody Leimback and Wanzell Flemming teamed up at second doubles for a thrilling 9-7 victory while reigning PSAC men's tennis athlete of the week, David Goldenberg and Steve Hlava were 8-1 winners at third doubles, giving West Chester a 2-1 edge entering singles play.
USciences took second singles to knot things up. However, West Chester responded with a win from Patrick McGinley at fifth singles, 6-3, 6-1, to take a short-lived 3-2 lead. The Devils' top singles player logged a win at first singles while collecting another win at fourth singles to take a 4-3 advantage.
J.J. Cooke responded for the Golden Rams with a 6-2, 6-4 victory. Cooke was coming off a match-clinching performance against Kutztown that helped the Rams top the Bears, 5-4, on Saturday. His win Monday afternoon evened the match at 4-apiece.
That is when Kristiansen played the role of hero at third singles with his win to sway the match in West Chester's favor.
The Golden Rams will be back in action on Thursday afternoon when they host Philadelphia University on South Campus.
