Bryant drops pair to nationally-ranked opponents over weekend

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After competing against two of the best teams the northeast region has to offer, the Bryant University men's tennis team dropped two tough matches to Buffalo and Harvard over the weekend.

On Friday, the Bulldogs hosted the nationally ranked Bulls at Center Court in East Providence, falling 5-2, despite a strong effort from the top four singles spots. The tandem of senior Dana Parziale (Pinehurst, N.C.) and Zachary Morris (Garden City, N.Y.) picked up a huge win over Pablo Alvarez and Sebastian Ionescu, 6-2, at no. 3 doubles, before Parziale capped off the perfect 2-0 night with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Damien David at no. 1 singles.

Junior Ernesto Arguello (Managua, Nicaragua) rounded out the Bryant wins vs. Buffalo with a strong showing vs. Jonathan Hannestad at no. 4 singles, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6.

"We competed in four spots and gave ourselves the chance for the upset," said head coach Ron Gendron. "Dana and Ernie were awesome, and Oliver and Max fought hard and played fearless, high-level tennis."

On Saturday vs. #31 Harvard, the Bulldogs ran into possibly the best team they will see this season, falling to the Crimson, 6-1. In doubles action, Morris and Parziale were impressive as a duo for the second-straight day, topping Brian Yeung and Conor Haughey, 8-4, at the no. 2 spot.

In singles, Morris had a breakout match, topping Chrsto Shultz, 4-6, 7-6, 1-0, at no. 1 singles to round out a terrific day for the junior.

"If we expect to upset quality opponents we need to compete at every spot," added Gendron. "As a team we can do better and need to do better if we want to take the next step as a program."

Looking ahead, the Black and Gold with head to sunny Claremont, Calif., for a showdown with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, a nationally ranked Division III opponent, Wednesday evening.

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