Kincaid wraps up tennis career in NCAA championships, Sea Gull falls in singles and doubles

LEWISTON, Maine. - The No. 21 Salisbury University men's tennis team sent two of its finest to the 2008 NCAA Division III tennis championships to compete against the nation's top competitors last weekend on the campus of Bates College.

The unranked doubles team of senior Brendan Kincaid and sophomore Scott Burtzlaff were matched up with No. 3 team Fil Marinkovic and Andrew Thomson of Middlebury College and ultimately fell 6-1, 7-5. The loss ended the postseason hopes for Sea Gull No. 1 tandem that went 18-7 for the season and was ranked No. 4 in the Atlantic South region.

"They had a great start to the season but ran into some tough opponents down the stretch," said SU coach Randy Halfpap.

Kincaid competed in the singles tournament as well as he faced No. 6 Oliver Gaines of Trinity (Texas). The two went three sets before Kincaid was forced to retire due to cramps. Gaines won 6-7 (4), 7-5, 3-3 (retired).

The Sea Gull senior won the first set with a tiebreak victory and forced a match point in the second set before Gaines rallied. Kincaid finished the season 20-6 in singles play and ranked No. 6 in the Atlantic South region.

"It is a great way to end the season and a great career here at SU," said Halfpap of Kincaid's performance at the NCAA championships.

This was the first time in eight years that the Sea Gulls had someone participate in singles and doubles in the same championship. Kincaid also competed in the 2006 NCAA championships where he also fell in the first round.