Franklin Pierce Defeats 
Saint Anselm, 8-1
Ravens collect first win of the year 
in commanding fashion

RINDGE, N.H. (March 16, 2006) – Franklin Pierce opened its spring season with an 8-1 victory over Saint Anselm College in Northeast-10 Conference men’s tennis action at the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Activity Center this evening.

            Franklin Pierce swept the three doubles matches and clinched the win with freshman Matthew Robinson’s (Bedford, N.H./Manchester West) 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory over Saint Anselm senior Lewis Brooks (Claremont, N.H./Stevens) at No. 3 singles. Robinson also teamed with sophomore Ryan Strayer (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) for an 8-4 victory at third doubles.

            Freshman Dixon Simmons (Narragansett, R.I./Bishop Hendricken) led the Ravens double-winners with victories at No. 1 singles and doubles. He registered a 6-1, 6-0 decision in singles after teaming with sophomore Austin Gardella (Norwalk, Conn./Norwalk) for an 8-4 win in doubles. Gardella was also a double-winner, registering a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 2 singles.

            Junior Ted Richards (Wallingford, Conn./Lyman Hall) picked up Saint Anselm’s lone point with an 8-5 decision at No. 5 singles.

Franklin Pierce (1-1, 1-1 NE-10) returns to action on Saturday, March 25, when it visits Southern New Hampshire University at 10 a.m. Saint Anselm (0-2, 0-2 NE-10) hosts Le Moyne College on Sunday at noon.