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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's tennis team began its spring season with two 4-3 victories over New York rivals, Binghamton on Saturday, in Olean, NY and the University of Rochester on Wednesday, in Rochester, NY.

Against the Bearcats, UB was guided to victory by wins at second, third and fourth singles and then first and third doubles.

The match began with a first doubles victory for UB, as senior Budi Susanto (Bali, Indonesia/Hilton Head Prep) and sophomore Fery Kasiman (Jakarta, Indonesia/Hilton Head Prep) teamed for the 9-8 victory.

The duo of sophomore Brent Persia (Pembroke, NY/Pembroke) and junior Tim Powell (Rochester, NY/Irondequoit) won their third-doubles match, 8-5, securing the doubles point for the Bulls.

UB and Binghamton split the singles matches, which was enough for the Bulls to claim victory.

Kasiman started off the three-match streak with a win at second singles. He defeated Brad Davidoff, 6-1, 6-1.

Junior captain Justin Brtko (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) tallied the next win for the Bulls at third singles with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Steve Spencer.

UB sealed the win with a victory at fourth singles. Sean Kelley (Gorham, NY/Marcus Whitman) dropped the first set to Brian Hoffner, but rallied back for the three-set victory, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

"In each and every one of our matches, there is always one guy who steps up big time," said head coach Russ Crispell. "All of their hard work is paying off for them."

Against the University of Rochester, UB swept the doubles matches, and once again split the singles matches for a victory.

Susanto and Kasiman notched an 8-2 doubles win over Colin Ryan and Schoenherr. Susanto also defeated Ryan, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, in first singles competition while Kasiman recorded a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Dan Williford.

The tandem of Brtko and Dave Emihovich (Getzville, NY/Williamsville North) notched a win at second doubles, 8-5. Brtko also won his match at third singles, fighting off three match points in the second set to come back and win 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Once again the reliable duo of Powell and Persia won their third doubles match 8-6. This tandem has only lost twice in the 2000-01 season at the Brown Invitational and at the Cornell Invitational.

"The key to our success has been the strong play of our doubles teams," said Crispell. "The coaches and the players, place such a high emphasis on team building that it shows in their performance."

The Bulls' record is now 9-0, remaining UB's only undefeated team. The team next travels to Florida for Spring Break matches against Rollins, ranked fourth in Division II and Mt. St. Joseph. After break, UB kicks off its Mid-American Conference schedule against Toledo at home on Saturday, March 17 at the UB Tennis Center.