Vikings Cruise Past Bears
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Salem State won their first match of the season with a 6-3 decision over the Bridgewater State Bears on Saturday afternoon at Rosen Memorial Tennis Courts. It was the first career win as head coach for former Vikings' star Chen Chen '19, who took over the Salem State program in 2020.
Roni Bazile (Brockton, Mass.) / Peter Coletti (Beverly, Mass.) took an 8-1 decision at first doubles over Jeff Pavao (Somerset, Mass.) and Colin Lamusta (Lynnfield, Mass.). Andrew Muttiah (Colombo, Sri Lanka) / Cory Cherico (Winthrop, Mass.) notched an 8-0 win at second doubles over Kendan Ziegler (Hadley, N.Y.) / Joshua Bean (Kingston, Mass.) as the Vikings (1-1) took 2-of-3 doubles matches from the Bears (0-1).
Salem State dominated the first four flights, winning in straight sets to secure the victory over Bridgewater State. Muttiah defeated Pavao 6-0, 6-1 at first singles while Colette swept Ziegler 6-0, 6-0 at second singles. Roni Bazile (Brockton, Mass.) picked up a win at third singles with a 6-2, 6-0 decision over Lamusta and Cherico beat Bean 6-2, 6-1 at fourth singles.
It was Salem State's third straight win over the Bears since 2017-18.