UTICA, NY – The Alfred University men's tennis team picked up its first victory of the season in dominant fashion, sweeping Utica by a 9-0 score in Empire 8 action from the Todd and Jen Hutton Sports and Recreation Center Sunday afternoon.
 
The Saxons improve to 1-5 overall (1-3 Empire 8), while the Pioneers remain winless at 0-4 (0-4 Empire 8).
 
The Saxons made quick work of Utica in doubles to open the match. Senior Ryan Brown (Olean, NY/Olean) and first year Isaac Little (Alfred, NY/Alfred-Almond) teamed up for the first time at the top doubles spot, defeating Utica's LJ Nuzzo and Austin McGrain by an 8-3 score. At second doubles, first year Sam Cohen (Brighton, NY/Brighton) and sophomore Wes Dennison (Almond, NY/Alfred-Almond) combined to defeat Maki Medici and Ethan Trembley, 8-5. Seniors Adam Shearer (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) and Michael Ross (Rushville, NY/Marcus Whitman) was near perfect in an 8-1 victory over Joshua Palmer and Joe Shirley, completing the Saxon sweep.
 
In singles, Dennison completed an impressive week, nearly shutting out Palmer in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0 at No. 5. Dennison went 5-1 in singles and doubles against Utica, St. John Fisher, and Houghton this week. Ross picked up his first singles win of the season, defeating Emil Obic 7-6 (5), 6-4. Shearer, playing at No. 4, defeated Trembley 6-4, 7-5 to clinch the match.
 
At No. 2, Little, playing at the second spot for the second consecutive match, took the first set against McGrain, before dropping the second. He would recover to take the third set and the match, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. At No. 1, Brown and Nuzzo played a close first set that went to Nuzzo, but Brown reached back and delivered, taking the next two sets in a 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2 victory. At third singles, Cohen took the first set, but dropped the second. The first-year recovered to take the final set and the match, a 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 victory.
 
"Today's a great day to be a Saxon!" said head coach Jordan Crouch. "Our guys pulled it together for a great win! Can't wait to take this momentum into the rest of the season."
 
The Saxons host Nazareth in their next match, from Alfred's William T. Brown Tennis Courts on Sunday, April 25 at 1 p.m. Both teams will travel to Elmira's Murray Athletic Center if inclement weather threatens the region on Sunday.