Men's Tennis Falls to RIC, 7-2, in Season Finale

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Rhode Island College men's tennis team earned a spot in next week's Little East Conference Tournament as the visiting Anchormen posted a 7-2 win over Bridgewater State University in the regular season finale for both teams on Saturday afternoon at the Rosen Memorial Tennis Courts.

RIC improves to 3-12 on the season and 1-5 in the Little East, while Bridgewater ends the season with an overall record of 3-8 (0-6 LEC).

Prior to the match, the Bears honored senior Andrew Narciso (East Bridgewater, Mass.) who was playing in his final career match.

The Anchormen swept all three doubles flights, and captured four of the six singles matches to record the victory.

Sophomore Lee Tiberi (Smithfield, R.I.) teamed with junior Brett Taggart (North Kingstown, R.I.) for an 8-6 win at #1 doubles. Tiberi also won in straight sets at second singles, 6-2, 6-1.

Freshmen Alan Esposito (Clinton, Conn.) and Matthew Gambardella (West Warwick, R.I.) paired up for a tough 9-8 triumph at second doubles. The match was decided with an 8-6 tie-breaker. Esposito added a 6-1, 6-4 straight set win at #4 singles, while Gambardella also won in straight sets at the fifth flight, 6-1, 6-1.

Junior Corey Duquette (Warwick, R.I.) and freshman Chandler Scott (Ashaway, R.I.) capped off the doubles winners with an 8-0 victory at the third spot. Duquette also battled to a close 7-5, 7-6 straight set triumph at #6 singles. The second set went to a tie-breaker with Duquette winning, 7-1.

Junior Matt McGee (Warren, R.I.) and freshman Harrison Ryan (Halifax, Mass.) picked up the Bears' two points on the afternoon. McGee won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0, at first singles, while Ryan cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 straight set win at the third flight. Ryan finished the season with a 5-2 singles record with a 4-1 mark against Little East opponents.