MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – Sophomore Alexander Ochalski (Hopewell, N.J./Hopewell Valley Central) posted singles and doubles victories to lead The University of Scranton to a 6-3 victory at Messiah on Saturday in the team's opening match of the fall season.

Ochalski opened the day by teaming with junior Keller McGurrin (Clarks Summit, Pa./Scranton Prep) for an 8-3 win at no. 1 doubles. He then went out and posted a 6-4, 6-2 win at no. 2 singles. 

The Royals (1-0) took a 2-1 lead after doubles thanks to a win at no. 3 doubles by the team of sophomore Christian Aksu (Exton, Pa./West Chester East) and junior Emmett Ryan (Manchester, Mass./Canterbury School), who earned an 8-5 victory.

Scranton then got the singles victory from Ochalski as well as wins from nos. 4-6. Senior Michael Pottieger (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing Area) pulled out a clutch three-set win at no. 4, winning 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 10-7. Sophomore Brian Harkins (New Fairfield, Conn./New Fairfield) rolled to a 6-2, 6-0 win at no. 5, and sophomore Charles Swope (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) won by the same score at no. 6. 

Scranton will continue its fall season when it travels across town to face Marywood on Friday, Sept. 23, at 4:30 p.m.

Scranton 6, Messiah 3

Singles
Tim Dunn (M) def. Keller McGurrin, 7-6 (8-6), 6-0
Alexander Ochalski (S) def. Connor Graybeal, 6-4, 6-2
Devin Esch (M) def. Matt Prendergast, 3-6, 6-3, 10-7
Michael Pottieger (S) def. Austin Warren, 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 10-7
Brian Harkins (S) def. Alex Mantsevich, 6-2, 6-0
Charles Swope (S) def. Blake Ross, 6-2, 6-0 

Double
McGurrin-Ochalski (S) def. Dunn-Graybeal, 8-3
Esch-Warren (M) def. Prendergast-Pottieger, 8-6
Christian Aksu-Emmett Ryan (S) def. Mantsevich-Ross, 8-5

--ROYALS--