In his first month of collegiate competition, Welker posted a 7-1 singles record along with a 6-2 mark in doubles play. His singles victories came over opponents from the likes of Lafayette, Bucknell, Le Moyne and Binghamton. Subbing in for Gregory Troyan in the “D” singles draw of the NEC Invitational, Welker won the back draw after defeating both Le Moyne’s Lorenzo Bortolaso and the Bearcats’ Andre Ajed in three sets. Alongside three partners, Welker won doubles contests against FDU, LIU and Mount St. Mary’s.