Charleston, W.Va.- Golden Eagles punch ticket to National Tournament for first time in program history with 4-0 victory over West Liberty.
The Basics:
Location: Schoenbaum Tennis Courts
Score: UC 4, WLU 0
Records: UC 22-2, West Liberty 14-9
How it Happened:
With a bid to the national tournament on the line, both the Golden Eagles and the Hilltoppers came out fired up to win the doubles point. The second doubles team of Krish Patel and Dani Llorente won the first match of the day in quick fashion by a score of 6-1. West Liberty tied the score, taking first doubles. It came down to the third doubles duo of Lenny Stevens and Jowan Rawson. After being up 5-3, Charleston lost the lead when West Liberty held serve and then broke serve. Charleston then answered with a break of serve, followed by Rawson holding serve at love to secure the doubles point.
Charleston then went to work in singles. The Golden Eagles quickly took first sets at 2, 4, 5 and 6 singles. Soon after, Marshall Dagostine also won the first set at 3rd singles. John Giesberts (#2) finished his match first win a score of 6-1, 6-0. Krish Patel finished his match next by a score of 6-0, 6-2. As Patel was wrapping up his match, Dani Llorente (#1 singles) secured the first set 7-6. In a race to get the clinch point between Dagostine and Rawson, it was Rawson who crossed the line first, winning at number 5 singles 6-1, 6-2.
The win secures a bid to the national tournament in Orlando, Florida. They will play their first match on Wednesday, May 18th. Their opponent has not yet been decided. The Golden Eagles record stands at 21-2 and an unblemished record in the state of West Virginia.
Man of the match goes to Jowan Rawson. He served out the match brilliantly to secure the doubles point, and he provided the clinch point for his team for the win.
After the match, Coach Matt Santen said "This is a fantastic team. They took care of business today and achieved a monumental goal of qualifying for the National Championships. I am especially thankful to Sam Clarke (Assistant Coach). His addition to the coaching staff 3 years ago has brought this program to a whole new level."
Up Next:
Charleston awaits the draw to see who they will face off against in the National Tournament on Wednesday, May 18th.
