Men's tennis perfect over weekend

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's tennis team put on an absolutely brilliant performance over the weekend picking up three huge victories over Boston University on Saturday and St. Francis Brooklyn and Hartford on Sunday.

The Bulldogs, who now improve to 4-0 overall on the year (1-0 in the Northeast Conference) are arguably playing their best tennis since joining the Division I ranks I 2008.

Over the weekend, the Black and Gold grinded out three big wins, fighting through a grueling 12 hours of tennis in just a 28 hour span. On Saturday, the Bulldogs welcomed BU to Smithfield for a showdown with the America East powerhouse.

Dropping a 6-1 decision to the Terriers a season ago, Bryant would not disappoint this time around topping the visitors, 6-1, behind strong showings from senior captain Dana Parziale (Pinehurst, N.C.) and freshman Oliver Welsh (San Diego, Calif.).

Welsh earned an impressive W over experienced veteran Jesse Frieder, 6-4, 6-3, at the no.2 singles spot, while Parziale continued his fantastic senior campaign with a victory over Candon Varapongsittikul, 6-2, 1-6, 6-2, at the no. 1 spot.

Freshman Christian Duarte (Dallas, Texas) earned an equally impressive win over BU's Emilio Teran, 6-4, 7-6, while reigning NEC Rookie of the Year Max Vogt (Fair Oaks, Calif.) fought through an injury to overtake Stefan Lemire, 7-6, 6-1, at no. 3 singles.

In doubles play, Welsh and partner Joe Sterrey (Newnan, Ga.) helped capture the doubles point with a win over Lucas Bombonatti/Stefan Lemire, 9-7, thanks to Sterrey's strong service game.

"As a whole, this is by far one of our most impressive wins so far this season," said Bryant head coach Ron Gendron. "After losing last year, 6-1, it is great to see how much we have improved over the last 12 months."

Less than 24 hours later, the Bulldogs were back at it opening NEC play with a 9 a.m. match against St. Francis Brooklyn and an afternoon tilt with Hartford on Sunday.

On Sunday, Welsh continued his hot streak, topping opponents from both St. Francis and Hartford, 6-1, 6-0, at no. 2 singles en route to a perfect 3-0 weekend. Vogt and Duarte also picked up good wins over the Hawks, topping off an overall impressive showing for the Bulldogs.

"Our freshmen really stepped up for us this weekend," added Gendron "St. Francis and Hartford are both tough opponents, and to come back on Sunday after a huge win on Saturday and still compete at a high level is a testament to how strong we are as a team."

Though it is only October, the reigning no. 1 seed from the 2013 NEC Championships looks as strong as ever with the fall team competition now behind them. Looking forward, Parziale, Vogt, and junior Ernesto Arguello (Managua, Nicagragua) will compete at the ITA Invitationals (Oct. 17-22) where Parziale is ranked Top-20 in the region (singles) and Parziale/Arguello are ranked Top-18 regionally (doubles).

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