Bulldogs top FDU in NEC opener

MEN'S TENNIS EARNS HUGE WIN OVER FDU, 4-3, IN NEC OPENER FRIDAY

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After almost a two week break between matches the Bryant University men's tennis team returned to action with a bang knocking off Northeast Conference preseason favorite Fairleigh Dickinson, 4-3, Friday afternoon.

The Bulldogs (3-3, 1-0 Northeast Conference), led by a strong performance in singles action from freshman Guillaume Sabourin (Dabi, United Arab Emirates), picked up their first NEC victory of the season, defeating conference foe FDU (0-1, 0-1 NEC) in the process.

Sabourin topped FDU's Philippe, 6-7, 6-1, 6-4, to lead the charge of four Bryant wins in singles play Friday afternoon in Connecticut. In addition to Sabourin, junior Dana Parziale (Pinehurst, N.C.) topped Gricheno, 6-1, 6-0, and sophomore Juan Gonzalez-Paz (San Juan, Puetro Rico) defeated Devauz Lovell, 6-1, 6-2. Sophomore Ernesto Arguello (Managua, Nicaragua) also won his singles match to round out the four points for the Black and Gold.

"It was nice to get a strong outing out of the bottom half of our singles lineups," said head coach Ron Gendron. "Dana and Juan were dominant, while Guillaume and Ernesto fought extremely hard to pick up the victories."

"Even though this is a great win for our program, we are still a very long way away from the conference championship. I am certain it will be another battle if we play these guys again."

The Bulldogs will close weekend play at Boston University on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.).

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