Flushing, NY – After losing his first set 6-0 and trailing 5-1 in the third set, freshman Andres Gonzalez (Hastings, NY/Hastings) showed veteran-like experience by battling back to win his sixth singles match in the tiebreaker and clinching a 5-3 victory over John Jay for the Hawks who advance to their second consecutive men's tennis championship match where they will face the fourth-seeded and four-time defending champion Baruch College Bearcats on Sunday at the USTA Tennis Center in Flushing, NY.

The Hawks concluded doubles play up 2-1 with victories at second and third doubles. In singles action, sophomore Roy Forberg and freshman Peter Stanciu made quick use of their opponents with Forberg winning third singles 6-0, 6-1 and Stanciu taking fourth singles 6-1, 6-1.

Things then got interesting as John Jay was able to force third sets in first and second singles, the 2008 Rookie of the Year, Dong Shao was able to upset freshman Max Segan who had beaten Shao in their meeting earlier in the year. The Hawks also suffered a loss at fifth singles which put the match at 4-3. Gonzalez then put things away, while second singles still undecided.

Although the match was already decided, sophomore Jayquan Gooding chose to finish his singles match at the request of his opponent, senior Josh Pagan, who was playing in his final collegiate match. Pagan would end up winning the match, but it does not count towards either individual's season records.

“It was great to see a freshman come through like this, I'm proud of Andres for stepping up his game when it was needed,” stated head coach Eric Metzger. “We worked hard all year to get to the playoffs and compete for the championship. We almost let that opportunity slip through our hands today, but now have a second chance at obtaining our initial goal”.

Hunter will now get a rematch of last year's finals with Baruch who upset the top-seeded College of Staten Island, 5-3. In case of rain, Sunday's match will be moved from a Noon start time to 6:00 p.m. and would be played at the newly renovated Indoor Facility at the Tennis Center.