April 2, 2004

Salem, MA --Despite winning two of three doubles matches, the Men's Tennis team lost to Salem State yesterday, 3-6. Kealan Rooney posted two wins for the Gulls. He won his sixth singles match, 6-2, 6-1 and then teamed up with Ben Bettez to win at third doubles, 8-4. The other win for Endicott came at second doubles as Joseph Dudek and Kieran Parisi won 8-4.

The Gulls were also competitive in singles. Dudek, after dropping the first set of his fourth doubles match, 3-6, battled back from 1-4 in the second set to tie it up at 6-6. In the tie-breaker, he had a set point before ultimately succumbing, 8-10. Kieran Parisi, playing fifth singles, lost in a three set match, 6-3, 0-6, 3-6.

"After hard fought singles matches, Joe and Kieran came out and played well in doubles," said Coach Herlihy. "They controlled the net and did a good job finishing off points. And Kealan certainly had a great day."

Herlihy also had praise for Bettez, who was celebrating his birthday and making his collegiate debut. "Ben hasn't been playing tennis very long," said Herlihy. "But he practiced in the fall and has improved his game. He's particularly effective up at net."

The Gulls travel to Wentworth this Saturday for their next match.