When it comes to coming from behind to win a match, the men's and women's tennis teams' performances this week proved one thing: experience matters. With a senior-laden roster, including five of its six singles starters, the men's tennis team secured a 5-4 comeback win over Bentley College Wednesday in its season-opener.

After falling behind early in doubles, the Judges showed grit and resolve by winning four of six singles matches and overcoming a groin injury to captain Sam Jonas '07.

The women's team, however, featuring a much younger lineup, suffered its first loss of the season Saturday after failing to overcome an early deficit in doubles, losing 5-4 at Trinity College to fall to 2-1.

However, the women's team dominated Bentley College at home with a 7-2 victory Thursday.

Coach Ben Lamanna emphasized the importance of the men winning their match on Wednesday despite not having played their best tennis.

"[The men] have a lot of heart and a lot of mental toughness," Lamanna said.

The Judges found themselves down 2-1 after their doubles matches ended, and needed at least four victories from their singles players to emerge victorious.

The team did just that to squeak by with the win.

Mike Vulfovich '07 defeated junior Greg Avola in two nail biting tiebreakers at No. 2 singles, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3), while Adam Sher '07 knocked off first-year Miles Holman at No.3, 6-4, 6-2.

"The match of the day was [Vulfovich's]," Lamanna said.

"It was a real fun match to watch, really exciting tennis, [and] real close as well.