Bucknell University Athletics
Men's Tennis Welcomes Duquesne to West Branch Tennis Club for Friday Match
2/20/2014 6:33:00 PM | Men's Tennis
LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell men's tennis team will return to the comfort of the West Branch Tennis Club on Saturday afternoon, and will welcome Duquesne to the indoor facility for another hotly-contested match. The Bison have come close, but have not yet obtained their first win of the 2014 campaign, playing to an 0-3 record in the early weeks of the season, and will look to grab an important victory in the 3 p.m. match against the Dukes.
“After a great week of practice I believe we will come out ready to compete at the highest level,” said interim head men's tennis coach Craig Schwartz. “I am looking for certain guys to step up and win some pivotal points for us. I believe that the key to victory is coming out strong in doubles and setting the tone.”
The doubles point proved to be the decision maker last weekend, as Bucknell suffered a 4-3 loss to Fordham. Both squads earned three singles points, but the Rams eked out victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles, taking that point and the match. Sophomore Nick Bybel went 2-0 against Fordham, combining with senior Aidan Lynch for a 6-4 win at No. 1 doubles before taking a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Kuba Kowalski at the top singles spot. Freshman Bryan Adams and senior Kyle Rosen also came away from the match triumphantly, earning wins at the No. 5 spot and No. 6 spot, respectively. Bybel, who has a 62-32 overall record in his young career, moved into the 34th spot on Bucknell's all-time victories list with the pair of wins, while Rosen improved his career singles record to 46-47, moving into 17th in program history.
The Bison hold a 6-8 all-time record against the Dukes, most recently dropping a 6-1 decision to them on Feb. 9 of last year. Duquesne has played to a 6-2 record since beginning dual competition in late January, earning wins over Toledo (4-3), St. Bonaventure (6-1), Richmond (5-2), Carnegie Mellon (7-2), Youngstown State (5-2) and Niagara (7-0). The Dukes' losses to Detroit (4-3) and to Buffalo (4-3) have both come while playing on the road.
After Friday's contest, the Bison will head to Baltimore, Md. for a pair of matches on Friday, Feb. 28. Bucknell will kick off the day with a 2 p.m. contest against Coppin State before taking on UMBC in the 7:15 p.m. nightcap.
