MEN'S TENNIS

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ITHACA, NY - The University at Buffalo's men's tennis team had a strong finish to its fall season over the weekend at the Cornell Invitational.

Fery Kasiman

In the A flight, junior Fery Kasiman (Jakarta, Indonesia/ESI International Academy) advanced in the main draw to the semifinals before losing to the number-one seed, Anthony Jagdale of Rutgers University, 7-5, 6-0. Kasiman's advancement to the semifinals marked the furthest point a Bull has ever reached at this tournament.

"Kasiman continues to show why he is our number one player," said head coach Russ Crispell. "His determination and willingness to literally throw himself after ball after ball and hit critical winners reflected in his play this weekend."

Also playing in the A flight, senior Justin Brtko (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) won the consolation finals with a tough third-set tiebreaker win against Ryan Richert of Assumption College, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6.

In the B flight, freshman Randy Rocchio (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) advanced to the quarterfinals before losing a tight two-set match to Rutgers' Kevin Beilen, 6-3, 7-6 (15-13). Freshman Nick Zieziula (Hamburg, NY/ St. Francis) won the B flight consolation round by defeating St. Bonaventure's Mikhil Muralli, 6-2, 7-5. Senior Sean Kelly (Gorham, NY/Marcus Whitman) won the D flight consolation bracket, defeating David Wagreich of Fairleigh Dickinson University in the finals, 6-1, 6-1. This was the first time three Buffalo players won consolation titles at the Cornell Invitational.

"No doubt this was a team effort," said Crispell. "Players cheered each other even after having been on the court for six or seven hours themselves."

In doubles competition, Kasiman and Brtko advanced to the A doubles flight quarterfinals before losing to the number one seeded team from Assumption College, 8-1. Rocchio and Zieziula also advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to the number two seed from Rutgers, 8-3.

"This was UB's best showing in all the years that we have played in this most prestigious event," said Crispell. "The entire team came into the event wanting to prove that we belong at this top level, and indeed they gained respect."

The Bulls completed their fall season with a 3-0 record and will return to action on February 9-10 at the Cornell Duals Invitational.