nandm,
You did the right thing by getting the newcomer a different sponsor.
Obviously you cared about this person.
It sucks to be put on the spot like that, but it is much easier to politely decline an offer than to put yourself through the ordeal you just went through.
Take it as a learning experience! Just like they tell you on planes, "put your mask on first, then put on the child's mask!"
Good luck moving forward!