WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – A hard fought battle in the 2022 conference opener in the Garden State saw Fairfield men's tennis fall 4-3 to Monmouth, in the first meeting since the 2021 MAAC Championship game.

"Another close one. I felt like we were right there with them but came up a bit short," said Head Coach Jeff Bricker. We have a quick turnaround for Niagara on Sunday, but we will be ready."

Fairfield gained the upper hand in doubles securing the top flight 6-1, with Jonathan Olive-Blanco and Keean Shah teaming up for the win. That was followed by a 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles by Charlie Morkel and Andrew Immink, which captured the doubles point for the Stags in the match, taking two out of three in the round.

Monmouth battled back into the match with three straight singles wins to open the round, before Kaya Gore improved to 15-3 this season, nabbing his eighth win in the top flight with a straight set victory 6-3, 6-2. The Hawks would clinch the match with a win in the No. 3 duel, before Sam Hodges ended the day on a positive note for the Stags, taking a three-set victory at No. 4 singles, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Fairfield men's tennis is back in action Sunday when they return to the Nutmeg State to host Niagara. First serve between the Stags and the Purple Eagles is currently slated for 12:00 p.m. at the WAC Tennis Courts. Dates and times are subject to change, keep up to date with the latest information at FairfieldStags.com and by following @Stags_Tennis on Twitter.