Reading, Pa. (Sept. 16, 2011) - Alvernia University (2-0) used a dominant singles session sweeping all six points en route to an 8-1 win over Misericordia University (0-2) Friday afternoon in non-conference men's tennis action at Angelica Park.

Seniors Kevin Brandt (Sodus, N.Y./Sodus Central) and Zach Marsar (Sayville, N.Y./Connetquot) earned a point at No. 2 doubles then followed up with wins at No. 4 and 3 singles respectively.

"The seniors had a chance to shine today," said Alvernia head coach Larry Zerbe, "and shine they did.  Both Zach and Kevin played the cleanest tennis I've ever seen from them.  Their improvement along with Ryan Ludwig's (Sunbury, Pa./Shikellamy) personal commitment have been a pleasure to see."

Ludwig transferred to Alvernia two years ago as a basketball player and has since added tennis to his resume.  He rattled off a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5 singles Friday.

After a forfeit at No. 3 doubles, Misericordia earned its only point of the match taking an 8-4 decision at No. 1 doubles.  Alvernia's top pair, Nate Bauer (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) and Dan Minnich (Palmyra, Pa.), rebounded from their doubles loss to earn straight set wins in singles.  Bauer prevailed 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 at No. 1 singles, while Minnich made quicker work of his opponent at No. 2 with a 6-1, 6-2 win.

"If this group contines to push each other, good things will happen," finished Zerbe.

The Crusaders have 10 days off and will travel to Philadelphia University on the 27th.

Alvernia University 8, Misericordia University 1

 Singles competition
1. Nate Bauer (ALVMT) def. Fred Hockenbury (MIMT) 7-6 (7-4), 6-4
2. Dan Minnich (ALVMT) def. Sal Saraniti (MIMT) 6-1, 6-2
3. Zach Marsar (ALVMT) def. Matt Erney (MIMT) 6-0, 6-1
4. Kevin Brandt (ALVMT) def. Robert Knipper (MIMT) 6-1, 6-0
5. Ryan Ludwig (ALVMT) def. Shane Hall (MIMT) 6-0, 6-0
6. Kevin Shainline (ALVMT) def. No player (MIMT), by default

 Doubles competition
1. Fred Hockenbury/Sal Saraniti (MIMT) def. Nate Bauer/Dan Minnich (ALVMT) 8-4
2. Kevin Brandt/Zach Marsar (ALVMT) def. Matt Erney/Robert Knipper (MIMT) 8-2
3. Brock Cromleigh/Kerwin Ortega (ALVMT) def. No player/No player (MIMT), by default

Match Notes:
Misericordia University 0-2
Alvernia University 2-0
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (6,5,4,3,2,1)
Non-conference match.
T-2:30  A-45