April 20, 2006

Following a good showing at the Atlantic 10 Tournament, Dayton men's tennis reeled in a couple of all-conference nominations today. The result of the voting, conducted by all of the Conferences' coaches, saw two Flyers placed on the all-conference team. Junior Tom Murphy was honored as an All-Conference performer for the third consecutive season. Sophomore James O'Connell was named to his first All-Conference team following a breakout season.

The team, which graduates just one senior, finished 12-13 on the season and captured fourth place at the A-10 Championships. Murphy and O'Connell were a big part of the successes the Flyers enjoyed this year on the courts. They are also a huge reason to look for the squad to improve even more next season.

Murphy was a first singles stalwart all year for the Flyers, finishing with a 15-6 record in singles play. He was also the only UD tennis player named A-10 player of the week this season, accruing the honor for the week of February 27. The junior also teamed up with the Flyers lone senior, Jamison Downs, to provide an anchor at first doubles. The two finished the year with a 15-7 doubles record.

The conference rookie of the year in 2004, Murphy joins some elite company by making his third all-conference team this year (only 16 players have made three all A-10 teams since 1992). The only other UD tennis player to make three all-conference squads was Rob Altenau, who graduated in 2005. Next season, barring injury, Murphy seems to be a lock to become only the seventh player in A-10 history to make four straight all-conference teams.

Dayton's second addition to the all-conference squad, O'Connell, has had two solid seasons in his time on the team. This year, however, was the first time the sophomore made the squad. After a freshman campaign in which O'Connell was 19-6, he came into this season under great expectations. O'Connell delivered, seeing most of his action at second singles and putting together a 15-5 record. He was at his best in the A-10 tournament helping the Flyers to a fourth place finish, O'Connell went 3-1 coming up with some critical points for UD. In doubles, O'Connell was also a key cog for the team. The sophomore played with junior Rex Cabrera as the tandem combined for a 11-8 doubles record.

Outside of Dayton, Charlotte sophomore Roy Sichel was named the Atlantic 10 men's tennis Most Outstanding Performer. He was joined by Xavier freshman Doug Matthews, who was named Most Outstanding Rookie Performer. Richmond head coach Steve Gerstenfeld was tabbed as Coach of the Year.

Charlotte's Zvi Lantsberg was selected as the Student-Athlete of the Year in a separate vote conducted by the Conference's sports information directors.