Kuhar shines despite tough weekend for Bulldogs

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Freshman Matt Kuhar (Smithfield, R.I.) posted an impressive 3-1 overall record to lead the Bryant University men's tennis team despite a pair of tough losses over the weekend in Hanover, N.H.

Bryant opened its 2015 spring campaign against two very talented teams over the weekend, falling at #47 Dartmouth, 6-1, on Saturday before wrapping up the weekend with a 5-2 loss vs. Buffalo on Sunday.

"When we began working on this schedule a year ago, it was made purposely to test our team," said Bryant head coach Ron Gendron. "The plan was to give us as many opportunities to grow and develop our character. Despite the results, we competed hard and look forward to the difficult challenges that lay ahead."

Despite his team's struggles, Kuhar was certainly a bright spot, going 2-0 in singles play while splitting a pair of doubles matches with partner Richard Sipala (Quogue, N.Y.). Against Dartmouth, Kuhar put together an impressive comeback victory at No. 2 singles, knocking off Brendan Tennenbaum, 4-6, 6-3, 10-8, to score the lone point of the match for the Bulldogs.

In Sunday's match vs. Buffalo, the Smithfield native got his first shot at No. 1 singles and did not disappoint, knocking off the reigning MAC Player of the Year Damien Daivd, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Kuhar topped off the eye-opening performance with Bryant's lone doubles victory of the weekend, taking down Tony Miller and Akhil Mehta, 6-2, at No. 3 doubles with Sipala.

Sophomore Oliver Welsh (San Diego, Calif.) also earned himself a three-set victory vs. the Bulls, defeating Sergio Arevalillo, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, at No. 3 singles.

The Black and Gold return to action over the weekend when they head to Verona, N.Y., for two more tough road matches vs. Binghamton (Saturday) and Marist (Sunday).