Taylor Guts Out Win at Third Singles, but Men’s Tennis Falls to Stonehill, 7-2
Brewer, Gilhuly earn point at first doubles
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Brewer (right) and Gilhuly picked up an 8-4 win at first doubles on Saturday afternoon.RINDGE, N.H. (September 28, 2013) – The Franklin Pierce University men's tennis team was defeated, 7-2, this afternoon by Stonehill in Northeast-10 Conference play at Franklin Pierce on Saturday afternoon.
With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 1-2 (0-2 Northeast-10), while Stonehill improves to 5-0 (4-0 Northeast-10).
Raven sophomore Jared Taylor (Pelham, N.H.) moved to 3-0 on the season after defeating Stonehill senior Brett Armstrong, 6-2, 0-6, 7-5 to secure the only singles win, as well as the second victory of the day for Franklin Pierce. Taylor's win was highlighted by his powerful backhand returns, big service game and positive attitude in the third set to bounce back from an early 4-0 deficit.
Senior Patrick Gilhuly (Killingworth, Conn.) put up a tough fight during his 6-1, 6-3 loss to Stonehill freshman Nick Hyzak. Gilhuly's troublesome feet and off-balance hitting got the best of him at crucial points in the second set as the consistent Hyzak kept hitting cross court winners to close out the match.
Drew Bennett (Rindge, N.H.) also produced a strong showing for the Ravens against junior Jonathan Sanders. The fast-moving sophomore's game featured a dynamic forehand, however his inconsistent serve and overly aggressive backhand returns cost him several crucial points in his 6-4, 6-2 loss.
An emotional Christopher Brewer (Brattleboro, Vt.) was unable to find his rhythm and fell in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0, to junior Eric Ringstad. Brewer's teammate, junior Mark Petrie (Pembroke, Mass.), also suffered the same fate in his match against junior Jared Drzal.
The second win for the Ravens was earned in doubles play by Brewer and Gilhuly after they defeated the Stonehill pair of Armstrong and Ringstad, 8-4. The high-energy match saw both teams fighting for every point. The versatile Ravens, however, were just too dominant with their effective returns, service, and crowd-pleasing net play to close out the match.
The Ravens return to the court on Sunday, Sept. 29, when they remain home to host Saint Michael's in a Northeast-10 Conference match at 11 a.m.
For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce tennis apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' brand new online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).