Smithfield, RI -- Bryant University men's tennis sophomore Zachary Morris (Garden City, N.Y.) paired with fellow Northeast Conference competitor Eric Ambrosio to win the doubles division at the 2012 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Summer Circuit, hosted by Cornell University July 27-30.
Morris competed in both the singles and doubles division throughout the weekend, pairing with Ambrosio, a childhood friend and Quinnipiac sophomore. The duo ran through the competition, defeating John D'Alessandro/Justin Pagan, 8-4, Zachary Baker/Aswin Nambi, 8-4, Troy Beneck/Adam Salam, 8-4, and Alex Tropiano/John Brosens, 8-6, to seal the championship.
As the fourth overall seed in the singles division, Morris was granted a bye into the second round, where he defeated Thomas Manning, 6-0, 6-2. In the next two rounds, Morris handily defeated Aidan McNulty, 6-3, 7-6, in the round of 16, and Alex Tropiano, 6-3, 6-2 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, however, Morris would fall to eventual champion Matthew Nardella, losing, 3-6, 3-6.
As a sophomore, Morris looks to build on the success he had during his freshman campaign. Last season, Morris posted an 8-7 record at No. 1 doubles and a 2-2 record at No. 2 doubles, helping lead the Bulldogs to a 12-7 record overall.
Morris and Bulldogs open up the 2012 season at the Brown Invitational on September 14.
The ITA Summer Circuit is a collection of tournaments for incoming freshmen and collegiate players. Eight regions across the United States host four tournaments each in which any ITA Member can compete. Most of the entries consist of young collegiate players, and touted high school prospects.