MEN'S TENNIS

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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's tennis squad presented its team awards for the 2002-03 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at Samuel's Grande Manor.

Head coach Russ Crispell made the following presentations: Rangga Prayudha (Jakarta, Indonesia/ESI International Academy) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Josh Liederman (Queens Village, NY/Benjamin Cardozo) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Nick Zieziula (Hamburg, NY/St. Francis) received the Coach's Award; and Fery Kasiman (Jakarta, Indonesia/ESI International Academy) was named the team's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year.

Rangga Prayudha

The Top Newcomer Award is presented to the individual student-athlete who distinguishes himself as the most talented new player on the team or the individual who accomplishes the greatest achievements as a first-year player. Prayudha arrived on campus for the spring 2003 season and made a strong impact, playing fourth and fifth singles. He finished 13-9 overall in singles and 7-8 in doubles.

Josh Liederman

The Most Improved Player Award is presented to the student-athlete who has made the greatest stride or improvement in his performance from the previous season or from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Liederman finished 18-17 overall in singles and 10-10 in doubles. Liederman also compiled a perfect 7-0 singles record while playing at number four, but spent much of the season in the number three slot. He also participated in the doubles round of the Milwaukee Classic in January.

Nick Zieziula

The Coach's Award is selected by the head coach and is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the team virtues as defined by the head coach. The recipient is one who stands out in dedication, commitment, unselfishness and enthusiasm towards helping the team improve. Zieziula was 15-14 in singles and 19-12 in doubles for the season. He spent time at second, third, fourth and fifth singles during the season, playing in the fourth spot at the end of the year. He reached the doubles quarterfinals of the Milwaukee Classic for the second consecutive year and also earned a singles victory in the tournament before falling to the eventual champion. Zieziula also picked up the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week Award by going 3-1 in singles play during the Bulls' spring break matches in Orlando.

Fery Kasiman

The Most Valuable Player Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through his skills and leadership. Kasiman, the team's number one player, was 19-15 in singles and 10-12 in doubles. Kasiman, who earned the award for the second consecutive season, completed his four-year career with the Bulls with 64 singles victories.

The Bulls completed their season with a 12-12 overall record and a 1-4 MAC dual meet record.