TRUMBULL, Conn. – Winning the first home match of the season is always exciting, but it wasn't enough for Fairfield University men's tennis, who doubled-down with a 6-1 win over Merrimack to sweep the first home stand of the spring.

"We came out with a ton of energy and doubles and played very well," said Head Coach Jeff Bricker. "Singles was a little scratchy but we were able to win the big points which is big for us. I know the guys are looking forward to getting outdoors and getting in some solid competition in South Carolina next week."

Andrew Immink and Charlie Morkel opened the day in impressive fashion as they shutout their opponents at No. 3 doubles to take a 6-0 victory. In the No. 2 game, Kaya Gore and Sam Hodges earned their fifth win of the season together, 6-3 to also give the Stags the doubles point for the match.

Hodges was the first to secure a win in the singles rounds, winning 12 of 16 matches in the No. 3 bout, taking the match 6-3, 6-1. Morkel pushed the score to 3-0 for Fairfield with a win at No. 2 singles, a straight set victory 6-4, 7-5. In fitting fashion, Gore secured a three-set win in the top flight 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, as all three players continue to pace the team with 11 victories apiece this season.

With the match now secured for Fairfield, Merrimack would earn their only point of the day with a win in the No. 5 dual in three sets, but Keeah Shah would put the Stags back in the driver's seat at No. 4 singles, splitting the first two sets, before winning an extended tiebreak 11-9 for his fifth win of the campaign. Andrew Immink rounded out the day for the home side with a straight set victory in the No. 6 contest 6-2, 6-4, as the Stags improve to 5-4 on the season heading into spring break.

Fairfield men's tennis is back in action next Monday, Mar. 14 when they begin a three-game road trip in South Carolina. The Stags will take on the College of Charleston at 3:00 p.m. before taking on Wofford and South Carolina State later in the week.