Bulldogs host Knights in 2016 NEC debut, Saturday at 2 p.m.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In the wake of a 7-0 sweep over Hartford, the Bryant University men's tennis team begins Northeast Conference play against Fairleigh Dickinson in the team's home opener on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Prior to holding Hartford scoreless, the Bulldogs (5-9) dropped four-straight to Ivy League competitors, Brown, 4-0, Yale, 7-0, and 4-1, and No. 23 Harvard, 7-0. Freshman Michael Plutt (Weston, Fla.) enters Saturday's matchup after being dubbed NEC Rookie of the Week, following his performance in the No. 4 singles spot and in part to his 6-4 win at No. 1 doubles against Hartford, alongside sophomore Nick Lamart (Raleigh, N.C.).

The Knights (3-8) broke a three-match losing streak, after dominating Saint Peter's, 7-0. Most recently, FDU recorded their first conference win of the season, defeating Sacred Heart, 6-1, at home. Jacob Whalley has recorded back-to-back singles wins for the Knights, both in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots. The pair of Whalley and Gonzalo Quintana currently sit 3-3 in the No. 1 doubles spot, most recently winning 6-2, 6-7 (4), 10-6 against Sacred Heart.