BRADFORD, PA - The Alfred University men's tennis team got off to a positive start to the new season, defeating Pitt-Bradford 8-1 in their season opener on Thursday afternoon from the Kessel Athletic Complex.
"The first match for the guys was a huge success," Head Coach Jordan Crouch said. "We haven't had a lot of practice time, so it was great to see them have a lot of fun and win some points."
The Saxons (1-0, 0-0 Empire 8) relied on Matthew Bittel (Wellsville, NY/Wellsville) and Mike Roberts (Alfred Station, NY/Alfred-Almond) from No. 1 doubles, as they won in 8-1 fashion. Wes Dennison (Almond, NY/Alfred-Almond) and Nate Cole extended the lead for AU from No. 2 doubles, winning 8-1. The efforts of Tristan Duhan (Salamanca, NY/Salamanca) and Evan Kent (Andover, NY/Andover Central) rounded out doubles action for the Saxons, as they fought hard in an 8-6 victory.
In singles play, Bittel was the first to score for the Saxons, winning 6-0, 6-0 from No. 2. Roberts clinched an additional point for AU, winning 6-1, 6-1 from the top spot. The Saxons continued to play with command, as Jeffery Merejo, Dennison and Hibbert all picked up singles wins.
