CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The University of Charleston Men's Tennis team fell in the Round of 16 to the Big Blue from Bluefield State at Schoenbaum Courts on Sunday afternoon. The match came down to the #2 matchup of Drew Dagostine and Mohamed Khalil. After Khalil took the first set 7-5, Dagostine fought back from a 5-2 deficit in set #2 to win 7-5. In the third set, the hard-fought match came to an end with the 6-3 advantage going to Khalil.
The Golden Eagles avenged their doubles defeat in the regular season, where Charleston was swept 6-2, 6-3, and 6-1 across the board. Charleston returned the favor on Sunday, clinching the doubles as Giesberts/Dagostine defeated Bau- Modsen/Khalil 6-1 at #1 singles, while Patel/Magill defeated Avail-Torres/Shasteen 6-2. The #2 pairing of Pirek/Stevens was ahead on their court before the clinch occurred.
Headed to singles, the Golden Eagles had the momentum and took quick victories at #1 and #5. Giesberts played effectively at #1, winning 6-3, 6-1 before Krish Patel fought through injury to defeat Busse 6-2, 6-3.
Leading 3-0, the Golden Eagles were trailing on the remaining four courts and dropped matches at 3, 4, and 6. Coming down to the wire, Dagostine battled back from a set down and clinched five consecutive games to win the second set. In the third, Khalil put together a string of strong points to defeat Dagostine 6-3.
The Golden Eagles Men's Tennis team put together one of the most successful seasons in the history of the program. After winning the MEC tournament crown for the first time in program history, Charleston advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time ever.
Doubles Results:
1. Giesberts/Dagostine (UCWV) def. Bau-Modsen/Khalil (BSC) 6-1
2. Pirek/Stevens (UCWV) vs. Schmeita/Busse (BSC) DNF
3. Patel/Magill (UCWV) def. Avail-torres/Shasteen (BSC) (BSC) 6-2
Singles Results:
1.Giesberts (UCWV) def. Bau-Modsen (BSC) 6-3, 6-1
2. Khalil (BSC) def. Dagostine (UCWV) 7-5, 5-7, 6-3
3. Schmeita (BSC) def. Pirek (UCWV) 7-6 (7-5), 6-4
4. Razafindrastsima (BSC) def. Magill (UCWV) 7-5, 7-5
5. Patel (UCWV) def. Busse (BSC) 6-2, 6-3
6. Avail-Torres (BSC) def. Martinez (UCWV) 6-2, 6-0
