CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Some programs take a year to rebuild after a successful season, however this is not the case with the men's tennis team. Under first year coach, Alec Foote, the team has reloaded and took the win over Walsh University at Shoenbaum Courts.
The Basics
The men's team lost their top three players from their run to the Sweet 16 in May of 2022. A strong recruiting class, and key returners look to make this year's team just as strong as last year's. The team opened the season with a win over visiting Walsh University by a score of 5-2.
The men's tennis team grabbed the doubles point quickly by sweeping all three positions. The number one doubles duo of
Lennert Stevens and
Jowan Rawson started things off for the Golden Eagles, winning the set 6-3. Newcomers
Farhaan Patrawala and
Marcelo Mifano Pinto secured the doubles point with a 6-4 win at third doubles.
Krish Patel and
Jorge Perez Diaz completed the sweep with a 7-6 win at second doubles.
In singles action, Freshman
Jorge Perez Diaz extended the lead to 2-0. A few minutes later, Walsh University got on the scoreboard with a win at number two singles. The remaining four matches would go the distance.
Patel put the Golden Eagles up 3-1 with a third set win at number four singles. It would be
Patrawala who clinched the match with third set win at third singles. Charleston's
Marcelo Mifano Pinto would take fifth singles in a third set super breaker. Likewise, Walsh would take sixth singles in a third set super breaker.
Jorge Perez Diaz receives man of the match after a successful debut.
On the match, Head Coach Alec Foote said, "Walsh came in hungry for the upset. I was proud of our boys today and they fought hard to the end and came out on top."
Up Next
The Golden Eagles compete against Salem University this afternoon, October 9
th.
UC will then travel to the ITA Cup in Rome, Georgia.
Lennert Stevens,
Jowan Rawson, and
Jorge Perez Diaz will all be competing in the national tournament after winning the Atlantic Regional ITA.
