BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University men's tennis team opened Little East Conference (LEC) play with a 5-4 win over visiting Western Connecticut State University on Monday afternoon at the Rosen Memorial Tennis Courts.

Bridgewater improves to 5-1 (1-0 LEC) on the season while Western Connecticut slips to 1-2 (0-1 LEC).

The Bears led 2-1 after doubles play as freshman Wesley Esthimer (Franklin, Mass.) and junior Nicholas Desisto (Uxbridge, Mass.) posted an 8-4 win at the second flight, while freshman Sean Bleau (North Dighton, Mass.) and sophomore Jesse Gotlib (Dartmouth, Mass.) teamed for an 8-4 victory at number three.

Gotlib gave the hosts a 3-1 advantage with a 6-2, 6-1 straight set triumph at number four singles. 

Western Connecticut seniors Troy Pandolfi (Danbury, Conn.) and Kyle Wilson (Naugatuck, Conn.) tied the match at 3-3 with straight set wins at the first and fifth flights, respectively. 

BSU sophomore Cody Farrell (Scituate, Mass.) battled to a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory at sixth singles to reclaim the lead for the Bears, and junior Michael Kofman (Chestnut Hill, Mass.) secured the deciding fifth point with a 6-2, 6-4 straight set win at the third flight.

WCSU sophomore Brian Bucknam (Woodbury, Conn.) rounded out the scoring with a tough three-set victory over Bleau at second singles, 7-5, 5-7, 10-8.  Bucknam also paired up with Pandolfi for an 8-5 decision at first doubles.

In upcoming action, the Bears host Little East foe Rhode Island College on Saturday at noon.  The Colonials entertain Salem State University in a conference match on Saturday afternoon at one.