Kuhar, Dong take home NEC weekly honors

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University men's tennis redshirt junior Matt Kuhar (Smithfield, R.I.) and freshman Wilson Dong (Bradenton, Fla.) have been named the Northeast Conference Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively.

In winning his second straight NEC Player of the Week honor, Kuhar was put to the test at #1 singles by FDU's Niclas Pietsch on Sunday in a matchup of conference rivals. After Pietsch took the first set 6-4, Kuhar stormed back to win the second set, 6-4, then edged the talented FDU freshman, 7-5, in the third set for the win. He also teamed with Artur Jakubowski for a 6-3 triumph at #1 doubles to help lead the Bulldogs to a 6-1 victory. Kuhar, the reigning NEC Player of the Year, has won 15 of his last 17 matches and is 23-7 on the year, including 17-3 in dual match play.

Dong became the fourth Bryant freshman honored for his play in 2017-18, joining Trent Massam (Wellington, New Zealand), Philip Belmatch (Staten Island, N.Y.) and Grant Pertile (Edgartown, Mass.), who all claimed NEC Player of the Month honors for the Bulldogs. Dong, who hails from Bradenton, FL, rallied from a set down to post a 3-6, 6-4, 12-10 win over FDU veteran Adam Chan in #5 flight play on Sunday. Dong has accumulated nine singles wins on the year, including victories against Lamar, Boston U., Navy and Binghamton.