Suffolk Claims 2009 GNAC Men's Tennis Championship

Weymouth, MA - The Suffolk University Men's Tennis team (9-3 overall, 3-1 GNAC) claimed their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship by defeating Emerson College (8-4 overall, 4-0 GNAC) by a score of 5-3.

The Rams took advantage of strong doubles play as they took a 2-1 advantage after three sets heading into singles play. Both team would be even through singles play at 3-3.

Freshman Christopher Staley (London, England) earned Tournament MVP honors as he was 2-0 on the evening. Staley who was earlier named the GNAC's Rookie of the Year was victorious in singles play at the two position defeating Emerson's David Fein, 6-3, 6-2. Staley also teamed with sophomore John Samander (Curacao) to defeat Mark Jackman and Varun Kaper, 8-6.

Sophomore Justin Ayoub (Brooklyn, NY) and Samander won both of Suffolk's other singles matches. Ayoub was victorious in the four position for the Rams taking down Kapur in three sets. In the six spot, Samander defeated Ken Nikravesh, 6-3, 6-2.

Sophomore Diego Alvarado (Boston, MA) and senior Garrett Freeman (Beacon, NY) teamed up to defeat Fein and Brant Buckley in the first doubles match of the evening, 8-4.

Buckley, Mark Jackman, and Morgan Crossley all picked up wins in singles play for the Lions, while Crossley and Nikravesh earned the Lions' lone win in doubles play.

Courtesy: Suffolk Athletic Communications