'Hopefully this is the start of a long winning streak'
Both of Florida Tech’s tennis teams put their losing streaks to bed on Monday, defeating the Griffins of Chestnut Hill at Fee Avenue Park. (Image by Amanda Stratford Photography)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Both of Florida Tech’s tennis teams put their losing streaks to bed on Monday, defeating the Griffins of Chestnut Hill at Fee Avenue Park.
The Panther women jumped out to an early 2-1 lead after doubles and put the Griffins away in single competition, registering a 5-1 landslide.
The Panthers claimed the No. 2 and 3 matches in doubles. Natasa Vukovic and Katie Close topped Iman Williams-Mulesa and Axe Owens 8-5, while Erin Egoroff and Kayla Hergott bested Morgan Oelsche and Lara Scholtze 8-6.
Bill Macom
“It was nice to start with a 2-1 lead today,” said head coach Bill Macom.
“However, we definitely played better singles than doubles. Hopefully this is the start of a long winning streak.”
In singles, Vukovic outplayed Laure-Anne Josso 6-2, 6-2, while Hergott outdueled Scholtze in a long 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 decision.
Egoroff was also victorious, beating Williams-Mulesa 6-2, 6-1 and Merrit Rabson topped Oelsche 6-3, 6-0. Mariana Cataneiras wrapped up the match, winning over Hannah Hills 6-2, 6-1.
The Panther men also got in the win column Monday, coming out on top in a thrilling 5-4 decision over the Griffins.
“The guys played some really aggressive doubles today and it paid off,” said Macom. “Our top three singles players deserve a lot of credit for finishing off their opponents in straight sets.”
Just like their female counterparts, the FIT men jumped out to a 2-1 advantage following doubles competition. Riley Lorenz and Ricardo Corona defeated Steven Say and Jonothan Ducretot 8-3, while Mattias Hartmann and Daniel Armellino recorded an 8-5 win over Michael Humes and Pedro Oranges.
Just as Macom stated, the top three players for the Panthers slammed the door shut in singles. Hartmann defeated Lucas Bocaletto 7-6, 6-3, while Aria Canadell garnered a 7-5, 6-1 win against Pedro Regalin.
Beau Fieldsend clinched the match for FIT, coming out on top over Oranges 6-2, 7-5.
The Panther women will play next against Tampa on Friday at DeSoto Park in Satellite Beach, while the FIT men return to action against March 3 versus John Carroll and Walsh in Tampa, Florida.
