__College notched 4-0 quarterfinal win over JMU; team now hopes for at-large berth to NCAA Tournament__
p. The men’s tennis team put up a strong effort at the CAA Tournament last weekend, but was unable to advance past the semifinals. After receiving a first round bye in the tournament, the Tribe faced James Madison University Friday and advanced to play against nationally-ranked Old Dominion University the following day.
p. James Madison gave up the doubles team point to the College, losing the first two doubles matches. Sophomore Marwan Ramadan started off the singles play with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over his opponent, and freshman Keziel Juneau followed suit winning 6-2, 6-3, increasing the Tribe’s lead to 3-0. The Tribe victory came shortly thereafter with a 6-3, 6-4 final score from freshman Richard Wardell, who clinched the quarterfinal win at 4-0, sending the Tribe into the semifinals.
p. In Saturday’s semifinal match, the 36th-ranked Tribe fell 4-2 to 32nd-ranked Old Dominion. The Monarchs started the match by claiming the doubles point, as junior Kavi Sud and sophomore Alex Zuck were the sole Tribe pair to earn a win during doubles play. Singles play began in a similar fashion, with Old Dominion taking the first two matches.
p. The Tribe climbed back into the match with wins at the no. 2 and no. 4 singles positions. Junior Alex Cojanu, ranked 97th in singles play, put away his 31st-ranked opponent for a 6-4, 6-2 upset win, and Ramadan earned a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory. The Tribe could not win another singles match, however, as Rodrigo Souza clinched ODU a spot in the finals with a 6-2, 7-6 (4) defeat of Zuck. In Sunday’s championship match, Georgia State University bested Old Dominion to earn its first-ever CAA men’s tennis title.
p. The Tribe awaits results on its eligibility for the NCAA Tournament, which will be announced Tuesday, May 1. If the Tribe is chosen to compete in the tournament, the men’s tennis team will return to play Friday, May 11.
