OLEAN, NY – The Alfred University men's tennis team (1-7, 1-2 Empire 8) earned its first victory of the 2017-18 season against Utica College on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Saxons swept the Pioneers 9-0 en route to their first win of the season. AU dominated in doubles play with senior Kevin Volz (Olean, NY/Olean) and first year Ryan Brown (Olean, NY/Olean) leading the way at #1 doubles with an 8-1 win. They were followed by sophomores John Papin (Rochester, NY/Harley School) and Reeder Bruffey (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) who also won 8-1 at #2 doubles. The first year tandem of Michael Ross (Rushville, NY/Marcus Whitman) and Adam Shearer (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) closed out the sweep in doubles with a 8-4 win.
 
Volz wrapped up the first match with a 6-3, 6-1 decision at #1 singles. He was followed by Papin who notched his first career singles win at #3 singles 6-2, 6-0. Brown also earned his first collegiate win with a 6-2, 6-2 at #2 singles.
 
Bruffey, Shearer and Ross all earned their first singles wins at the collegiate level closing out opponents, respectively. Bruffey to the win 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 while Shearer dominated 6-1, 6-0. Ross closed out the sweep with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) win at #5 singles.
 
"It was a great win," Head Coach Mike Graham said. "Everyone played very well considering we were missing two of our starters. The younger guys really stepped today."
 
The Saxons, who are amidst the grueling Empire 8 schedule, host Elmira next Friday, April 20 at 4PM in Alfred, NY.