Eric Halpern of the Emory University men's tennis team is keeping his skills sharp during the summer months as evidenced by his performance at recently held Intercollegiate Tennis Association Summer Circuit competition hosted by Dartmouth College.

Halpern, the Eagles' No. 1singles player and Division III All-American during the 2012-13 campaign, took home first place in the singles draw at the Dartmouth event.  Holding down the No. 3 seed entering the tourney, Halpern rattled off five wins, three coming against foes who play for Division I institutions, en route to the crown.

Halpern topped University of Pennsylvania player Zach Lessen in the semifinals before defeating Matt Browne of Furman University, 7-6, 7-5, in the title match.

ITA Summer Circuit events began in 1993 and provides college (and junior and alumni) players the opportunity to compete in organized events virtually year round.  Events within the Summer Circuit are open to players who are current ITA members.

Halpern's victory qualified him to compete in the USTA/ITA Summer Championships that will be held in August in Bloomington, Indiana.