BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University men's tennis team downed Little East Conference (LEC) rival Rhode Island College, 8-1, on Saturday afternoon at the Rosen Memorial Tennis Courts.

Bridgewater improves to 6-1 on the season with the win and 2-0 in the Little East.  RIC drops to 1-8 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

The Bears swept the doubles matches to jump out to a 3-0 lead on the strength of an 8-1 first flight win from the tandem of senior Mike Zagame (Uxbridge, Mass.) and freshman Wesley Esthimer (Franklin, Mass.). 

Bridgewater won five of six singles matches with freshman Sean Bleau (North Dighton, Mass.) giving the Bears a 4-0 advantage as he posted a 6-3, 6-2 straight set victory at number three.  Zagame clinched the match and gave BSU a 5-0 lead with a 6-0, 6-2 straight set win at the second flight.

Sophomore Alex Werchadlo (Woonsocket, R.I.) picked up the only point for the Anchormen as he came back from a set down to defeat Esthimer at number one singles, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 10-7.

In upcoming action, Bridgewater travels to Suffolk University for a non-conference match with the Rams on Thursday evening at 6:30.  RIC hosts non-league opponent Johnson & Wales University on Monday afternoon at 3:30.