Bulldogs take down FDU, 4-1, Saturday on Senior Day

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In a rematch of last season's Northeast Conference Championship, the Bryant University men's tennis team topped Fairleigh Dickinson, 4-1, Saturday afternoon on Senior Day 2014.

The Bulldogs, behind a trio of singles victories from senior Dana Parziale (Pinehurst, N.C.), freshman Oliver Welsh (San Diego, Calif.) and junior Ernesto Arguello (Managua, Nicaragua), got the better of the defending NEC Champs on Saturday in Smithfield, in what could likely turn out to be a preview of the 2014 NEC Final in just over two weeks.

In doubles action, junior Zachary Morris (Garden City, N.Y.) and partner Max Vogt (Fair Oaks, Calif.) took down the tough tandem of reigning NEC Player of the Year Arvis Berzins and Gonzalo Quintana, 8-6, in the no. 1 spot while freshmen John Templemen (Midland, Mich.) and Welsh clinched the double point with their 8-6 victory over Julien Philippe and Diego Garnel.

In singles play, Parziale faced off with Berzins in an epic three-set thriller. The Bulldog captain came out strong, taking the first set 6-4, before Berzins rallied to take the second, 3-6, evening the match at one set apiece. In the third set, the two familiar foes battled all the way to a tiebreak, where Parziale eventually out-dueled his opponent to clinch the no. 1 singles win, 7-6 (7), handing Berzins just his fifth loss of the season.

At no. 3 singles, Welsh displayed the composure of a savvy vet, taking down Quintana in straight-sets, 6-4, 6-4, while Arguello was dominant at no. 4 singles, taking care of Arnaud Valentin, 6-3, 6-3, to clinch the 4-1 win for the Bulldogs.

Looking ahead, the Black and Gold have just two matches remaining on their regular season slate (at Brandeis on Wednesday, vs. Sacred Heart on April 13) before heading to Mercer County for the NEC Championships beginning on April 17.

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