Gendron announces Class of 2018

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off arguably the best fall season in program history, the Bryant University men's tennis team and 2013 NEC Men's Tennis Coach of the Year Ron Gendron are pleased to announce the signing of four student-athletes primed to join the reigning Northeast Conference Regular Season Champions as members of the Class of 2018.

The Bryant men's tennis program will welcome Mathew Kuhar (Smithfield, R.I.), Joshua Kliger (Newport Beach, Calif.), Luke Lorenz (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Jorge Ortiz-Garcia (Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico) to an already stacked lineup for the 2014-15 season.

"This is not only the strongest recruiting class in program history, but the entire group really embodies what it means to be a Bulldog," said Gendron. "Each kid brings something different to the table and helps us fill all of our needs for the 2014-15 season."

Matthew Kuhar | Smithfield, R.I.

A native of Smithfield, R.I. and a 2014 graduate from Smithfield High School … Posted a 62-1 record during his first three seasons as a Sentinel, capturing two Rhode Island Singles Championships, helping his team earn a Division I title in 2013 … Currently ranked in the top 100 nationally for the Class of 2014 … Earned First Team All-State honors in each of his first three seasons at Smithfield … Earned first-place finishes in numerous USTA New England tournaments, as well as a first place singles finish at the 2012 New England Hard Court and Clay Court Tournament and a third-place finish at the 2012 National Singles Open … Member of National Honor Society and is the President of Student Council.

"With Matt being a Smithfield native, we really couldn't be happier to welcome him this fall," said Gendron. "He has tremendous power from both sides and is a top of the line kid both on and off the court with some strong potential to earn a regional ranking down the road."

Joshua Kliger | Newport Beach, Calif.

A Newport Beach native and a 2014 graduate from Corona del Mar High School … Currently ranked 63rd in the state of California and in the top 70 in the Southwest Region … Posted a 22-16 record in 2013 with a first place finish at the 15th Upland TC Jr. Open Tournament in August and strong showings at the La Habra Summer Jr. Open Championships, the Ramada Jr. Open Tournament and the Claremont Club Jr. Tournament.

"Josh is a big, hard-hitting lefty with a big forehand and a strong backhand who could find his way into the doubles lineup right away," added Gendron.

Luke Lorenz | Colorado Springs, Colo.

A Colorado Springs, Colo., native and a 2014 graduate from Discovery Canyon Campus High School … Posted a 30-16 overall record in 2013 and is ranked 208th nationally and third in the state of Colorado … Posted a win at the Flying Horse Stakes Championship in September, and strong showings at the ITA BG18-16 Fall Circuit and the ITA BG18 Summer Sizzler.

"Luke is a real grinder who should contribute immediately in the singles lineup as a freshman," stated Gendron. "He always finds a way to win and truly embodies Bryant tennis."

Jorge Ortiz-Garcia |Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

A native of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico and a 2014 graduate from the Cupeyville School in San Juan … Currently ranked in the top 350 nationally and third in Puerto Rico … Posted a 25-9 overall mark in 2013 with a win at the Jr. Open 4 in November, and strong showings at the Jr. Open 2 and the Jr. Championship II.

"Jorge is an exceptional athlete with great power and a strong work ethic," noted Gendron. "He could easily find himself near the top of the lineup sometime down the road."

The Bulldogs return to action on Jan. 18 as they begin their quest to get back to the Northeast Conference Championship Finals for the second-straight season.

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