Bulldogs impressive in fall opener over weekend

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's tennis team opened fall competition over the weekend with a bang, closing out play at the Binghamton Invitational with a 20-3 overall singles mark.

Nearly five months after their first Northeast Conference Championship, the Bulldogs picked up right where they left off in April putting together an impressive weekend of tennis in Binghamton, N.Y, vs. a quartet of very strong opponents. The Black and Gold battled Colgate, Niagara, Duquesne, and tournament host Binghamton to an astounding 20-3 overall singles mark and a 9-7 doubles record.

"Our fitness is a weapon and it was evident this weekend," said Bryant head coach Ron Gendron. "Playing four sets of singles and two of doubles, we only got stronger as the day-long event went on."

Perhaps most impressive was Bryant's performance against reigning America East Champion Binghamton. Last season, the Black and Gold fell to the Bearcats, 6-1, but on Saturday, the Bulldogs captured six of seven singles matches including wins by senior Zachary Morris (Garden City, N.Y.) at No. 1 singles, freshman Matt Kuhar (Smithfield, R.I.) at No. 2 singles, sophomore Oliver Welsh (San Diego, Calif.) and No. 3 singles, and junior Max Vogt (Fair Oaks, Calif.) at No. 4 singles.

"We have never beaten Binghamton before," added Gendron. "This was a huge weekend for our program and we look to build on it going forward."

On the weekend, five Bulldogs went unbeaten in singles play, including Morris, Welsh Nick Lamart (Raleigh, N.C.), Joshua Rubinstein (Trumbull, Conn.) and Jorge Ortiz-Garcia (Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico).

Bryant returns to action with another busy weekend competing at the Brown Invitational (Sept. 12-14) and hosting the Bryant Invitational (Sept. 13 & 14) in Smithfield.

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