Men’s Tennis Nets Back-to-Back NEC Championships

By Jen Malti

Sports Editor

For the second straight year, and 14th time in program history, the FDU men’s tennis team wins the Northeast Conference.

The Knights defeated Bryant 4-3 on Saturday Apr. 16 to win the division title and an automatic bid to the 2022 NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship Tournament.

In doubles competition, the Knights won two out of their three matches. In singles competition, they tied with Bryant going 3-3 but, the doubles wins, led them to the NCAA tournament.

FDU Junior Teodors Pukse was named NEC Tournament MVP. Senior Mehdi Dhouib and Junior Younes Adnane were named NEC All-Tourney.

Team captain and graduate student Moric Budinszky via text message the team was feeling happy.

“I feel extremely proud of my entire team as we were able to achieve something that only a very few collegiate athletes have the opportunity to experience,” Budinszky said.

When reminiscing between this season and last season, he had this to say.

“En route to both of our championships, we had some extremely close decisions which make these successes more sweet and memorable. As this was my last season of competition, it also brings me joy to be able to finish my career on a high and leave an exceptional team behind which will bring further success to our school,” Budinszky said.

Budinszky said he tried to set an example.

“Ever since I joined the team 5 years ago, we have put a lot of emphasis on cohesiveness and making the team environment feel like a family. My role was centered around setting team norms and making everyone feel a sense of belonging. I believe that our team culture of mutual support has made a major contribution towards our success,” said Budinszky.

The Knights faced Virginia on Friday, May 6, in the NCAA Tournament where they lost 0-4.

The Knights will look to bounce back from this loss as they try to make another championship run next season.

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