Gendron and Plutt earn major awards, Bulldogs earn 10 All-NEC selections

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Under the leadership of the fourth-consecutive Northeast Conference Coach of the Year, Ron Gendron, the Bryant University men's tennis team earned 10 All-NEC selections, including two of the three major awards, as freshman Michael Plutt (Weston, Fla.) was named NEC Rookie of the Year, joining his coach in receiving one of the highest achievements.

Gendron helped the Bulldogs to a 12-11 record and a 3-0 conference finish, placing the Bulldogs back in the NEC tournament as the No. 1 seed, where they went on to sweep No. 5 Wagner and No. 3 Saint Francis U. to complete the program's three-peat. The Bulldogs dominant play and strength of schedule was rewarded when they drew No. 16 Oklahoma State in the first round of the NCAA tournament just last night.

"It's an honor to be coach of the year for four-straight years," said Gendron. "It's impossible to do this without all the aspects of the team from athletic training to mental toughness."

The Black and Gold clinched their third-consecutive title and a trip to the big dance after Plutt's come-from-behind victory in No. 4 singles secured the 4-0 victory in the championship match. Plutt joins an elite group of freshman Bulldogs that have been dubbed the top of their class, including Matt Kuhar (Smithfield, R.I.), Max Vogt (Fair Oaks, Calif.) and Dana Parziale, as Bryant has taken home the award in four of the last six years.

The freshman put together a stellar campaign, finishing 6-3 overall and 4-0 against NEC competitors. His rookie of the year honor also placed him on the 2016 NEC All-Rookie Team, along with second team honors in No. 1 doubles, alongside partner sophomore Nick Lamart (Raleigh, N.C.).

Classmate Artur Jakubowski (Dallas, TX) joined Plutt on the first team singles and all-rookie teams in the No. 5 slot, after putting together a perfect record in league play. Sophomores Luke Lorenz (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Jorge Ortiz-Garcia (Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico) were also named to the first team in the No. 3 and No. 6 slots, respectively, as Lorenz went 10-11 and Ortiz-Garcia finished 12-5 on the year.

Lorenz and Vogt paired up for first team No. 2 doubles honors, while Ortiz-Garcia and sophomore Josh Kliger (Newport Beach, Calif.) were named first team No. 3 doubles. Junior Oliver Welsh (San Diego, Calif.) rounded out the Bulldogs' award winners, receiving Second Team All-NEC in No. 2 singles after going 10-13 this season, including a spotless 3-0 NEC record.

"We are very happy for Washi Gervais of Saint Francis U.," said Gendron. "He has been a great player all four years and on behalf of Bryant men's tennis we were pleased to see him win NEC Player of Year."

"We are looking forward to the wonderful opportunity next week brings us in the beautiful state on Oklahoma. Go Bulldogs (Vamos Perros!!!!!)!"