April 7, 2005

Beverly, MA -- The men's tennis team lost 2-7 to Nichols yesterday in a contest that was closer than the score suggests. In addition to the two wins at singles, the Gulls were competitive in the three doubles matches. "We were tied with Nichols or down by only a game late in each doubles match. If we could have pulled those out, we would have prevailed today, given that we won two of the singles matches," said Coach Mark Herlihy. The wins in singles came from Matthew Nolan at No. 4 and Nate Buell at No. 6.

Nolan's 6-2, 6-3 win improves his singles record to 2-1 on the year. "Matt's a great competitor. He was hampered by some sore stomach muscles, but he dug in and closed out the match," said Herlihy. Buell's 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win was his 1st collegiate victory. "It was tight down the stretch, but Nate held on," said Herlihy. "I'm happy for him."

In other singles matches, Parker Olen lost 1-6, 0-6 at No. 1, Nick Bayrouty fell 3-6, 3-6 at No. 2, Craig Cohen succumbed 3-6, 3-6 at No. 3, and Ben Bettez was edged 2-6, 5-7 at No. 5. "They all battled," said Herlihy. "Each match featured many long, well played points. The match experience that they're gaining will benefit them in the long run."

In doubles, Olen and Bayrouty lost 4-8 at No. 1; both Cohen and Nolan at No. 2 and Bettez and Buell at No. 3 fell 5-8.

The Gulls (0-3) are in action again this Saturday away at Salve Regina (11 am start).