Randy Rocchio

BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo men's tennis player Randy Rocchio (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) has been selected as the Mid-American Conference's Men's Tennis Player of the Week. The league announced the award on Tuesday.

Rocchio, a junior, returned from an elbow injury that sidelined him in UB's 5-2 win over Rochester to go 2-0 in singles play and 2-1 in doubles in three weekend matches. In singles play, Rocchio defeated Bucknell's Nick Denefrio, 6-1, 6-3 at number one on Saturday. On Sunday, in UB's match against MAC opponent Western Michigan, Rocchio rallied for a three-set victory over WMU's Tommy Dennis at first singles. After dropping the first set, 6-0, Rocchio rebounded with 6-4 wins in the second and third sets. For the season, Rocchio is 9-13 (1-0 MAC) overall in singles play and 13-12 (0-1 MAC) overall in doubles. Rocchio and junior teammate Nick Zieziula (Hamburg, NY/St. Francis) also formed UB's top doubles tandem as the duo picked up victories over the number one teams from Bucknell and Duquesne on Satruday.

"It's been a long time coming for Randy Rocchio," said men's tennis coach Russ Crispell. "This award reflects his hard work and dedication. Truly this is a team effort from those below Randy for pushing him to face adversity and succeed."

The Bulls (5-7 overall, 0-1 MAC) head south for their spring break matches starting March 12. UB will face South Carolina-Aiken, Barry University and Stetson during the trip.