April 15, 2009

Bulldogs earn their first National D-I Ranking

Smithfield, R.I.- In their first year competing at Division 1 level, the Bryant University Men’s Tennis Team appeared in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association ranking for the first time ever this week, ranked #167 out of almost 300 division I tennis programs.

Playing a challenging schedule that includes ACC, Ivy League and Big East teams, the Bulldogs earned important victories over Hofstra, Lehigh, Creighton, Boston University, St. Josephs, and recently Sacred Heart, showing they belong in Division I.

There are only three other teams ranked in the Northeast Conference, which are #129 Quinnipiac, #133 Sacred Heart, and #163 Fairleigh Dickinson. Also, this ranking does not include the thrilling victory over Sacred Heart on Monday afternoon at the Bryant Tennis Complex, as the Bulldogs might move up some spots in the next poll.

The Bulldogs are currently 8-9 with two matches left in the season and will try to end with a positive record in their rookie year as a Division I team. The Bulldogs will be back in action next Tuesday when they visit the Hartford University Hawks.