The UB men's tennis team gathered mixed results in an extremely competitive field at the four-team Army Shootout last weekend. The Bulls faced off against host Army, nationally ranked Penn State and St. Joseph's University.
UB managed to capture two of six singles matches and one doubles match against Army while they were swept in all seven singles and doubles matches against Penn State. The Bulls finished on a strong note, however, scoring three singles victories over St. Joseph's on Sunday.
"First of all, Penn State is nationally ranked. Actually I think they're higher ranked thank any other team in the MAC," said head coach Russ Crispell. "This was an opportunity for us to see how we measure up with nationally ranked opponents ... all we have left right now is moving forward."
Saturday provided disappointing results for the Bulls, as they were only able to take two of six singles matches from Army. Some bright spots for the Bulls on day one of the tournament included Mike Rockman's 7-5, 6-2 win over Army's Michael Good at number two singles and junior Matt Kennedy's 6-1, 7-6 victory over Army's David Collins at number three singles.
"The fact that they got some victories was to help solidify the fact that they belong in the (upcoming) ITA Regionals and will perform well," said Crispell.
Senior Nick Zieziula and Kennedy teamed up to record the other victory for UB against Army, defeating Carl Fisher and John Houghton at number one doubles, 8-2.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
