BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott men's tennis team hosted Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opponent, Roger Williams on Friday afternoon. Despite their efforts the Hawks handed the Gulls their first conference loss on the season in the 6-3 decision. Endicott drops to 7-6 (5-1 CCC) while Roger Williams improves to 10-4 (6-1 CCC).
Prior to the start of the match the Endicott men's tennis team honored a fellow Gull who passed away last week with a moment of silence to pay tribute to Dan Murray '10. Dan was an important member of the Endicott Tennis program and he will forever be missed.
Endicott's Assistant Coach Marc Maloney '10 had the honor and privilege of playing with Murray and reflected on the time he spent with him saying, "From day one, even as a freshman, Dan stepped in and played very high in the lineup-proving to be one of the best players in the history of the men's
program. More importantly he was an ideal teammate, leader, and friend. He had a unique ability to motivate the team but also kept us loose in the process. He had such a passion for tennis, especially teaching others. If you were practicing with him you knew you were going to work that day, but somehow have a good time doing so. When news of his passing hit, I started getting messages from teammates I hadn't spoken to in 3, 4, even 5 years reminiscing about him. That's the kind of effect he had on us."
Also at the beginning of the match the tennis team took a moment to celebrate their two seniors, Evan Ross (Worcester, Mass.) and Keller Dinan (Monterey, Mass.). These two players have given a great deal to the men's tennis program and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
To start the match, in doubles play the Hawks edged the Blue and Green in two of the three matches. The first being in the #2 slot as Zack Bussiere and Eric Laboissonniere defeated partners, junior Michael Lauretano (Winchester, Mass.) and freshman Sean McAndrews (Vineyard Haven, Mass.). In the #3 slot juniors Timothy Forance (Natick, Mass.) and Eric Gandrup (Sudbury, Mass.) earned the first victory for the Gulls in an 8-5 decision. To wrap up doubles play, Taylor Webster and Ryan Swanson defeated Ross and sophomore Michael Dolph (Stratford, Conn.) in a tough 8-5 battle in the #1 slot.
In singles play Endicott defeated the Hawks twice, with victories from (#3) Dolph (6-3, 5-7, 10-3) and (#5) McAndrews (6-2, 6-0). Ross was also on his way to a victory but defaulted due to some cramping after the Hawks had already clinched the match.
Despite the loss the Gulls remain in good standing in the CCC as they hold a spot in the #3 slot falling in below Roger Williams and Nichols.
Endicott will take the court next, tomorrow, April 19th as they host the reigning CCC Champions, Nichols at noon.
