May 6, 2011

Box Score

Under gloriously sunny skies on Friday afternoon, the Lightning men's tennis team closed out its 2011 campaign for the second time in a week, this time defeating visiting Yeshiva University 5-4 on Senior Day.

Despite having played and lost in the quarterfinals of the CUNYAC Championships this past Saturday, Friday's late addition to the schedule not only helped to counter several postponements during a rainy spring season, but also served as a send-off to the team's two seniors, Rabiedra Hansraj and Raul Santana, who both completed four year careers with the Lightning.

Arguably the best player in Lightning men's tennis history, Santana did his part against the Maccabees, first teaming up with Michael Tal to defeat Joseph Itkis and Jeremy Seftel 8-5 in No. 1 doubles play, and then stopping Itkis 8-3 in No. 1 singles action.

Hansraj wasn't as fortunate, dropping his No. 3 doubles match with partner Ali Saleh, 8-4, to Ephraim Leiderman and Avi Bagley. The Lehman senior then fell in No. 5 singles, 8-3, to Bagley.

In remaining doubles play, Jahi-Abasi Jabbar and Cesar Andrade took down Yeshiva's No. 2 team of Ben Pomper and Eddie Ashkenazie 8-3.

Jabbar retained that winning feel on the singles court, beating Jeremy Seftel 8-6. Andrade, though, was tripped up by Leiderman 8-4.

Yeshiva's Ben Pomper handled Michael Tal in No. 2 competition, 8-5, which left the deciding match in the hands of Saleh.

Playing No. 6 singles against Michael Sanders, Saleh was able to pull out the 8-4 win, allowing Lehman to officially finish its season on a winning note.