Gulls end Drought with 8-1 win over ENC

Beverly, MA-- The men's tennis team snapped a lengthy losing streak with a convincing 8-1 win over Eastern Nazarene. Playing at home, the Gulls jumped out to an early lead by sweeping the doubles.

The freshmen tandem of Parker Olen and Nick Bayrouty won at \#1 doubles, 8-4, Craig Cohen and Matt Nolan won 8-5 at \#2, and Ben Bettez and Nate Buell pulled out their \#3 doubles match 8-6.

In singles, the Gulls won at \#2 through \#6 in straight sets. Nick Bayrouty won 6-2, 6-3 at \#2, Craig Cohen won 6-1, 7-5 at \#3, and Matt Nolan cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 victory. Ben Bettez came out on top in a tight 5th singles match, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, while Nate Buell won his \#6 singles match 6-4, 6-2.

The losing streak began in 2002. Before today's win, the team had come close, dropping several 4-5 decisions, but had not prevailed. "We were long overdue for a win," said third year Head Coach Mark Herlihy. "We've competed well, especially this year. I'm very happy for the guys. It hasn't been easy coming out on the short end of matches for as long as we have, but these guys stayed positive and believed in themselves."

The Gulls travel to Curry College for a 3:30 match on Tuesday, April 19, and then host Wentworth on Wednesday, April 20 for a 3:30 start.