Although the men’s tennis squad did not take home three consecutive wins Jan. 30-31, the success of the team’s young talent, as evidenced by player Daniel Wright ’18, is plenty of reason to celebrate. The New Jersey native stepped up into the No. 1 singles position for the team’s three opening matches and secured two solid wins for the Orange and Blue.

The team was picked fifth in the Patriot League after graduating only one senior last season, and Wright is looking to fully step up as a young yet experienced and determined leader. Despite only one year under his belt, Wright has developed a huge amount of confidence in the past season thanks largely to guidance from the team’s two upperclassmen, Nick Bybel ’16 and Bryan Adams ’17.

“They have both taught me that in order to get to the next level, I must have a great work ethic. In addition, they have shown me how to be a good teammate and a respectable person,” Wright said.

In the team’s first match on Jan. 30 at Le Moyne, Wright secured a 6-1, 6-1 win on court one, and his success was immediately echoed by the rest of the Bison squad, as they concluded the match with a 9-0 victory after winning all of the singles and doubles contests of the morning. The team then headed to Binghamton for an afternoon match, but was unable to close the day with an undefeated record after suffering a 7-0 loss.

“I wish the match against Binghamton went better this weekend. It was unfortunate for us to not get a single point because we were right there with them for both singles and doubles. Nevertheless, this match showed me that I can compete with anyone and that it is all about all taking my opportunities,” Wright said.

Despite a difficult loss, the team bounced back to secure its second victory of the season on Jan. 31 against La Salle. Wright showed an impressive resilience throughout the weekend. After losing his first set 4-6, Wright responded with two perfect 6-0, 6-0 wins to take home the victory in the No. 1 slot. In addition, Wright was victorious with a 6-0 win in his doubles match alongside teammate Ben Gerber ’18.

“I was able to accomplish the goals I set for the weekend. I just took every match, whether it was singles or doubles, one at a time. Every match I look to improve and get better every day,” Wright said.

Wright boasted an impressive first year career, yet he is continuously striving to attain better results, improve his skills, and support his teammates so that the Orange and Blue can achieve collective success.

“Although tennis is an individual sport, the team is always the priority. Everything that my teammates and I do is for each other, so that we can pull out the win. In the end, I focus on what I have to do in order to better the team,” Wright said.

Like many other Bison athletes, Wright said that his goal is to win a Patriot League Championship. He also wants to win as many singles and doubles matches as he can. In order to do this, Wright will continue to push himself and his teammates both on and off the court—all while wearing his lucky wristband.

2015-2016 Stats:

Singles: 10-9

Doubles: 6-4