Men's tennis opens spring season Saturday in Hanover, N.H.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off one of the best fall seasons in program history, the Bryant University men's tennis team begins its quest for a Northeast Conference Championship, Saturday in Hanover, N.H.

Led by reigning NEC Coach of the Year Ron Gendron and regionally-ranked senior captain Dana Parziale (Pinehurst, N.C.), the Bulldogs are primed for yet another run at the NEC crown come this April.

Parizale put together a stellar fall campaign, posting a 12-4 overall singles record en route to a pair of NEC Player of the Months honors and the first ever regional ranking in Bryant tennis history. Highlighting the senior's early success was a huge win in the number one doubles flight at the USTAs with partner Ernesto Arguello (Managua, Nicaragua). The duo ran the table topping tandems from Marist, Boston College, Fairleigh Dickinson and Fairfield to earn arguably the best win in program history.

Also set to make his mark this spring is reigning NEC Rookie of the Year Max Vogt (Fair Oaks, Calif.), who finished 8-4 overall in singles play, 2-0 in dual matches in the fall. Junior Zachary Morris (Garden City, N.Y.) will also return to the lineup for the Bulldogs after putting together a strong sophomore season in 2012-13 which earned him an All-NEC second team selection.

Rounding out a stacked lineup for the Black and Gold are freshmen Oliver Welsh (San Diego, Calif.), Joe Sterrey (Newnan, Ga.), and John Templeman (Midland, Mich.), who are sure to make an immediate impact this spring.

With essentially the same faces that brought the Bulldogs to the NEC Championship a season ago, Bryant and head coach Ron Gendron have assembled one of the most daunting schedules in program history.

"We start with several difficult weekends," said Gendron. "We double up several times in the first two months in an attempt to get as many quality matches as possible."

"Our schedule is loaded with teams fighting to earn a national ranking and compete in their conference for a championship, however, the length of the season is perhaps the biggest test." 

With over 20 dates spanning three months, the Bulldogs are sure to be battle tested come April.

"We need to stay fresh and healthy and continue to improve for the NEC Championships in April. It is a challenge that we are looking forward to."

The Bulldogs begin their journey Saturday when they take on a pair of worthy opponents in Hanover, N.H., opening with Dartmouth at 9 a.m. before doing battle with Villanova at 1 p.m.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University men's tennis team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.