Category: Tennis

Chris McCree

Senior Writer

The men’s tennis team sent Nick Bybel ’16 and Octavio Canibe ’15 to the USTA/ITA Regional Championships on Oct. 18 to compete against some of the top players in the country. In the three matches played between the two, the Bison came away winless from the tournament.

In doubles, Bybel and Canibe teamed up against Ethan and Jacob Dunbar of Richmond. Ethan has been named twice to the All-Conference first team and has played No. 1 singles for the Spiders for two years. Not fazed by the accolades, the Orange and Blue duo proved to be worthy foes, forcing a tiebreaker which they ultimately lost 8-7 (6).

In singles, both Bybel and Canibe fell in straight sets. Matched up against Rob Stirling of James Madison, Bybel put up a strong fight in the first set (6-4), but his opponent came out even stronger in the second, taking the set 6-2. Similarly, Canibe lost a match to fellow Patriot Leaguer Thomas Pecor (Navy) 6-4, 6-0.

The Championships marked the end of the fall season for the Orange and Blue. Bybel emerged as a key member of the Bison contingent, as he finished the fall with a team-high 12 singles wins. With the loss, Canibe finished the fall season with an even 6-6 record in singles play.

The team now enters its winter offseason training before its spring season begins in February. The squad will open the spring with a series of non-conference competitions before playing its first Patriot League opponent in March.

“We have a lot of talent and experience on this team,” Irwin Reibeisen ’14 said. “We need to continue working to maximize our potential as a collective unit. I have high hopes for this season–the Patriot League title is within reach.”

Alexandra Rosen

Contributing Writer

Bybel ’16 put the Bison on the map

Nick Bybel ’16 made Orange and Blue history this past weekend as the first Bison to participate in the ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa, Okla., where he competed in the same tournament as other Division I powerhouses like Virginia, Florida, and Texas. Bybel defeated Cedric de Zutter of Memphis in the first round (7-6, 6-3) but lost to Jordan Szabo of Texas A&M in the second round (4-6, 3-6).

In the captivating and suspenseful match against de Zutter, just as Bybel scored four points in a row and took the lead 5-4, the weather took a turn for the worse and rained out the match. This forced the game to continue indoors, where Bybel and de Zutter resumed play after an hour of delay.

“He stuck to a simple game plan, and as the match went on his execution just got better … The key to Nick’s win was in the return of de Zutter’s serves,” head coach Rebecca Helt said.

The return of serves was crucial to the Bison victory in the second set. Bybel was able to break his opponent in the first game, which was the only service break of the entire match. This allowed him to move up 5-3 and serve out the end of the match.

“He just kept working and once he started to put solid returns in, he made his opponent work hard for every service game. Eventually he got the key break [and had a] very solid performance,” Helt said.

After a great win against de Zutter, Bybel hoped to continue and defeat Szabo in the second round.

Bybel lost 4-6, 3-6 but was able to take away experience that will hopefully aid him for the rest of the season.

“Nick won most of the baseline points by hitting deep and heavy, but his opponent had an aggressive serve and volley style of play, and Nick struggled coming up with the passing shot,” Helt said.

“It was awesome to see where our program matches up with the top programs from across the country,” Bybel said.

The team will split up today to compete at the UVA Invitational in Charlottesville, Va. and the Lehigh Invitational in Bethlehem, Pa.

Chris McCree

Senior Editor 

The men’s tennis team continued its early season success by earning one individual title and two runner-up titles at the USTA Invitational this past weekend in Flushing Meadows, NY. Jordan Lieb ’17 pulled off a three-set victory over Plamen Avuski of St. Francis to claim the Flight F Singles title for the Orange and Blue. The Bison also saw Nick Bybel ’16 and Octavio Canibe ’15 make it to the finals in Flights A and C respectively.

“This weekend was absolutely awesome for us,” Kyle Rosen ’14 said. “I was proud as a captain to see so many of my teammates performing to their potential. Jordan Lieb, our first-year, was able to pull out a huge victory in his bracket. Octavio was able to make it to the finals of his bracket. As always, Nick Bybel was performing to the best of his capabilities and made it to the finals of his bracket.”

Playing in the biggest tournament of his young career with the Bison, Lieb won all four of his matches over the three days. On day one, Lieb recorded two three-set victories over second-seeded Jacob Solly of Marist and AJ Aziz of Boston College. Against Solly, Lieb dropped the first set but managed to rally to earn the upset victory.

In the semifinals, Lieb came face to face with fellow teammate Aidan Lynch ’14 and claimed the 6-3, 6-4 victory to advance to the finals. There, Lieb played his toughest match of the weekend, needing three extremely competitive sets to earn the title against St. Francis. Though Lieb fell 3-6 in the first round, he rallied late in the second set to take a 7-6 victory and then carried this momentum into the tiebreaking set to become the sole Bison to claim a title.

In the A singles flight, Bybel cruised through the competition during the early rounds, winning his first three matches in straight sets. In the finals, Bybel faced off against third-seeded Arvis Berzins of Fairleigh Dickinson and fell 7-5, 6-0.

In C singles, Canibe dominated his first round match but then faced a series of grueling matches over the next three rounds. In the semifinals, Canibe needed three intense sets to overcome the second-seeded opponent, but ultimately won 11-9 in the tiebreaker. Canibe then fell in straight sets to Dylan Fletcher of Marist.

“Overall, there was a positive mentality and a strong sense of unity for our team. I have no doubt that this will continue moving forward,” Rosen said.

After its third consecutive weekend of action, the Orange and Blue will rest this weekend before splitting up for two invitationals at Virginia and Lehigh on Oct. 4-6. Bybel will compete tomorrow in the ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa, Okla.

Chris McCree

Senior Writer

The men’s tennis team continues to build on its early success by taking the Flight C singles and Flight A consolation title at the Mount St. Mary’s Invitational last weekend in Emmitsburg, Md. Colby Burke ’17 defeated teammate Irwin Reibeisen ’14 in the Flight C finals on Sept. 15 after both players cruised through their first two matches. Scott Bernstein ’14 also came away with the victory in the consolation bracket.

“I think we competed well and can definitely build off of this weekend,” Reibeisen said. “The beginning of the season is always a time to get solid match play in and continue to build team chemistry.” 

Though the only two Bison in the Flight C bracket, Burke and Reibeisen dominated the first two rounds. Neither of the two allowed an opponent to take more than three games in a single set. Both players competed in their toughest match when they faced off in a back-and-forth contest that ended in a 7-5, 6-4 win for Burke.

“Playing these matches enables me to see what I am doing well and what I can improve upon,” Reibeisen said. “I am very motivated to work hard in areas that need improvement as well as continue to improve my strengths.”

Despite his loss in the first round, Bernstein battled back to take the consolation title in Flight A singles. During his second round matchup against Harrison Kunkel of Loyola (Md.), Bernstein recovered from a one-set deficit to claim the victory in a tiebreaker 10-3. Bernstein went on to win a close matchup in the finals against Daniel Nino of Coppin State and claim fifth place overall for the Orange and Blue.

“Overall, I believe we posted a solid performance at Mount St. Mary’s,” Bernstein said. “We fought hard to magnify our strengths, execute smart strategies and gain better court-sense. It’s important in the beginning tournaments of the season to find some fundamental personal areas to improve on for the rest of the season.”

With two weeks of competitive action under their belt, the Orange and Blue will head to Flushing, N.Y. this weekend to take part in the USTA Tournament. Still in the early stages of the season, the team will look to build on its early success and work toward its ultimate goal of the Patriot League Championship.

“We have a lot of talent and experience on this team,” Reibeisen said. “We need to continue working to maximize our potential as a collective unit. I have high hopes for this season– the Patriot League title is within reach.”

Chris McCree

Senior Writer 

The men’s tennis team opened its fall season by winning titles in Flight A singles and doubles as well as in Flight C singles on its home courts at the Bucknell Quad. Nick Bybel ’16 claimed a singles title for the second straight year and followed it up by claiming the doubles title with Aidan Lynch ’14. The only other Bison to play in a championship match was Scott Bernstein ’14, who came away with the win in Flight C singles.

“The first weekend is generally a time to work out the early year kinks and to get back into the swing of competitive play,” captain Kyle Rosen ’14 said. “I am proud to say that I saw a lot of tough matches, constant high energy, and solid performance all around. I have no doubt that our level will continue to elevate as the fall season continues.”

During the first day of competition, the Orange and Blue advanced seven players to the singles quarterfinals. Bybel took down his first round opponent with relative ease, winning 6-0, 6-1. Rosen also earned a victory, coming back after dropping the first set 1-6.

In Flight A, the Bison had four of eight players in the quarterfinals. Bybel faced off against fellow Patriot League rival Luke Gensburg of Colgate, overcoming a late push to take the three-set victory (6-3, 2-6, 10-8) and repeat as champion.

In doubles, the Bison had three teams reach the semifinal round. Bybel and Lynch proved to be the strongest of the three, taking down the team from Colgate (8-3).

This weekend, the Bison will play in the Mount St. Mary’s Invitational. Despite a strong showing at home, the Bison will look to continue improving in preparation for its Patriot League season in the spring.

“My expectation for this season is a Patriot League Championship,” Rosen said. “That requires effort taken at all times on and off the court. That goal must be taken seriously by every player. Then, and only then, will it be possible. I have the utmost confidence in our ability to be the best team out there.”

Lauren Boone

Senior Writer

The men’s tennis team travelled to Syracuse, N.Y. this past weekend for the Patriot League Tournament. The third-seeded Bison swept the Lafayette Leopards 4-0 on April 19, securing their seventh consecutive trip to Patriot League semifinals, where they fell 4-3 in a close match against second-seeded Lehigh on April 20.

As during the regular season, the Bison quickly won the doubles point against Lafayette.  No. 1 doubles team Aidan Lynch ’14 and Evan Zimmer ’13 won their match 8-2, while Octavio Canibe ’15 and Kelly Morque ’13 ultimately secured the doubles point with a victory at No. 3 doubles 8-4. Nick Bybel ’16 and Josh Katten ’13 also won their doubles match 7-2.

The Bison carried the momentum into the singles play, with Zimmer, Katten and Canibe all defeating their opponent in straight sets to claim the overall victory for the Bison. Bybel, Morque and Kyle Rosen ’14 also secured wins for the Bison, but their victories did not factor into the final score.

Although they were able to defeat Lafayette in the quarterfinals, the Bison fell in a highly competitive match to the second-seeded Lehigh Mountain Hawks. The Bison defeated the Mountain Hawks 4-3 during regular season play, but Lehigh managed to get their revenge.

No. 1 doubles team Lynch and Zimmer lost their match 8-4, while No. 3 doubles team Canibe and Morque pulled out an 8-3 victory. In the final doubles matchup, the No. 2 team of Bybel and Katten fought hard, but dropped the match 9-8 (3), giving Lehigh the doubles point.

In the singles play, the Bison were unable to make up for lost points. Bybel won his No. 1 singles match 6-2, 7-5. Morque fought a three-set match but ultimately came out on top (3-6, 7-5, 6-4) at the No. 2 singles spot. Zimmer easily won his No. 3 singles match, recording a score of 6-2, 6-4. Katten lost his match 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4 singles. Rosen also lost at the No. 5 singles position 7-5, 6-3. Finally, Canibe lost the No. 6 singles position in a close three-set match 2-6, 7-6, 6-4. 

The Bison concluded their season on April 24 with a 6-0 win at home against Bloomsburg. None of the Bison lost any match ups, as the Orange and the Blue finished with a 15-8 record. Though the Bison will be losing Katten, Morque, and Zimmer, a young core of talent will hopefully allow the men’s tennis team to improve on their record next year, as well as take a step closer to the ultimate goal of winning the Patriot League Tournament.

Lauren Boone

Senior Writer

The men’s tennis team fell to Army 4-2 on April 12, but managed to come back and sweep Lafayette 7-0 on April 14 and prevail in a 4-3 nail biter against Lehigh on April 15. The three-game home series was highlighted by Josh Katten ’13, who broke the school record for most careers wins with a singles victory over Lafayette.

Against Army, the No. 1 doubles team of Aidan Lynch ’14 and Evan Zimmer ’13 claimed the first victory of doubles play for the Bison, winning its match 8-4. To clinch the doubles point, the No. 3 team of Octavio Canibe ’15 and Kelly Morque ’13 won its match by a close score of 8-6.

Unfortunately, the Bison were not as successful in the singles play, where the Black Knights won all but one match. The lone Bison exception was Zimmer, who won in a close three-set match with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.

“It was a great first annual alumni weekend for the men’s tennis program,” Katten said. “Friday night against Army was a tough loss, but it was in front of a great crowd. The match could have definitely gone either way, and as a team we are looking forward to hopefully playing Army again at the Patriot League tournament.”

Against Lafayette, Katten broke the record for most career wins with a 6-1, 6-3 singles victory. Katten now holds a 152-93 career record, topping the program record previously held by Ryan Sandburg ’09 with a record of 150-113.

Katten and Nick Bybel ’16 gathered an easy 8-0 victory at the No. 2 doubles position early in the day. The No. 1 doubles team of Lynch and Zimmer pulled out an 8-5 victory, while the No. 3 doubles team of Canibe and Morque clinched an 8-4 victory. The Bison kept the momentum going into singles play, where all players won their matches in straight sets.

“The Lafayette match was a solid team sweep, and it was a very memorable moment when my friends arrived to see me break the all-time combined wins record,” Katten said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better moment, and it was great to do it at Bucknell with friends and family around to see it.”

The Orange and Blue played their last Patriot League regular season match against Lehigh. The Bison and Lehigh were neck-and-neck when Kyle Rosen ’14 clinched a singles victory, winning the match for the Bison.

The Bison dominated in doubles play. First off the court was the No. 2 doubles team of Bybel and Katten, who handily won its match 8-0. The No. 1 doubles team of Lynch and Zimmer as well as the No. 3 doubles team Canibe and Morque both won their doubles matches with a score of 8-4. The victory for Lynch and Zimmer increased their undefeated record to 7-0, which is the longest winning streak of the season for the Orange and Blue.

Despite the ease in doubles play, the singles competition proved to be much more challenging. Bison captains Katten, Morque and Zimmer all fell to their Lehigh opponents. Bybel was able to win his match 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 singles, while teammate Canibe stayed strong to win his three-set match at No. 6 singles.

With the overall score tied at 3-3, all eyes were on Rosen as he competed in his No. 5 singles match. Rosen lost the first set 3-6, but he was able to fight back and win the last two sets 6-3, 6-4 to clinch the overall victory for the Bison.

With this victory, the Bison end their regular season play with a 13-7 overall record, and a 3-2 record in conference play. They will compete in the Patriot League Tournament as the No. 3 seed, starting Friday in Hamilton, N.Y.

Lauren Boone

Senior Writer

The Orange and Blue faced two tough competitors on the road last weekend, claiming a 5-2 victory over Patriot League rival Colgate on April 6 and suffering a 7-0 loss to Binghamton on April 7. The win against Colgate was the Bison’s first win in Patriot League play.

Despite close competition, the Bison swept in doubles play against Colgate. First to finish was the No. 3 doubles team Octavio Canibe ’15 and Kelly Morque ’13, winning 8-3. Next, Aidan Lynch ’14 and Evan Zimmer ’13 claimed victory at the No. 1 doubles position 8-6. Finally, No. 2 doubles team Nick Bybel ’16 and Josh Katten ’13 secured a doubles point for the Bison with a 9-7 victory.

The Orange and Blue kept the momentum going into the singles play, winning the majority of the matches to secure the overall win. Katten secured the first singles win at the No. 4 position 6-3, 6-3. Following Katten, teammates Morque and Zimmer posted singles victories as well. Morque won his match 6-3, 6-2, while Zimmer won 7-5, 6-3. Canibe won his match at the No. 6 position (6-3, 6-1) to secure the overall win for the Bison.

“Our doubles came out solid and stayed tough during key moments,” Zimmer said. “On the singles side, we were broken early in some matches, but were able to stay composed and battle through our opponents. Overall, it turned out to be a great win for the Bison.”

With this victory, the Bison improved their overall season record to 11-5 and their conference record to 1-1. This was also their sixth consecutive victory over Colgate.

Unfortunately, the Bison did not have the same success against Binghamton, ending their four-match winning streak. In doubles play, Bybel and Katten clinched the only victory for the Bison that day (8-6) at the No. 1 doubles position. With this victory, Katten is one match away from tying the Bison record for most combined singles and doubles career wins at 150 matches.

The No. 2 doubles team of Lynch and Ryan Marcil ’14, lost its match 8-6. Morque and Canibe also lost their match 8-1 at the No. 3 doubles position. Some of the singles matches were also close, with Morque, Katten and Lynch all pushing their singles matches to third sets.

“Unfortunately, on Sunday we went up against a tough competitor in Binghamton, but there was plenty positive to take from the loss,” Katten said. “Binghamton has won their conference five years in a row, and while we lost, we were right there in most of the matches. Going forward, it’s important to play some tough matches as they definitely help prepare the team for the Patriot League Tournament.”

With this loss, the Bison’s season record fell to 11-6. The Bison will compete at home for their next four matches, starting Friday when they play rival Army at 3 p.m. on the Varsity Tennis Courts, followed by matches against Lafayette on April 14 at 2 p.m. and Lehigh on April 15 at 3 p.m.

Lauren Boone

Senior Writer

The Orange and Blue defeated the Saint Joseph’s Hawks 4-3 on April 2 in Philadelphia. Kelly Morque ’13 came out on top in his three-set singles match to clinch the overall win for the Bison.

The Bison swept the Hawks in doubles play. At No. 1 doubles, Aidan Lynch ’14 and Evan Zimmer ’13 won their match 8-6. The No. 2 doubles team, Nick Bybel ’16 and Josh Katten ’13, won their match 8-5. Octavio Canibe ’15 and Morque won their doubles match 8-6 in the No. 3 position.

The Bison carried the momentum from doubles play into singles play. First to finish was Zimmer, winning at the No. 3 position 6-3, 6-0. Bybel won his match 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 1 position to push the Bison out to a 2-0 lead in the singles play.

However, the Orange and Blue dropped three points to the Hawks at the No. 4, 5 and 6 positions, but Morque’s victory at the No. 2 singles position with a close score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 won the overall match for the Bison.

[Insert quote from Morque ’13]

With this victory, the Bison maintained a perfect 18-0 overall record against the Hawks.  The Orange and Blue also preserved a four-game winning streak against non-conference opponents. Their overall record is 10-5.

The Bison will be back in action this weekend against rival Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y., on Saturday at 2 p.m, followed by a meeting with Binghamton in Vestal, N.Y., on April 7 at 11 a.m.