MURFREESBORO, NC--The West Virginia Wesleyan men's tennis team defeated a second consecutive regionally ranked opponent, as they eased past Chowan University by score of 6 to 3 Saturday afternoon.
The Bobcats took a 2-1 lead after doubles play, and then rolled to wins at the number 3, 5 and 6 singles to clinch the win over the Hawks. Aitor Reparaz, Joel Izquierdo, and Jack Waldon provided the winning margin for the unranked Bobcats, who improve to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in Atlantic Regional play. Senior Eduards Gusevs also won his singles match to remain undefeated on the spring at 5-0. The Hawks captured the final two matches of the day in 3rd set tiebreakers.
Chowan, currently ranked #10 in the region, drops to 4-7 and 3-2 regionally.
"I thought we played very well considering the adversity that we had to deal with," said head coach Marc Walters. "These southern teams have played many more matches than we have at this point in the season, and so they're toughened up compared to where we are physically. We did a nice job putting balls in play and being steady, which is an important part of playing outside since we don't get the quick points we are used to indoors."
Walters was especially impressed with the play of Gusevs and the efforts of Douglas Oliviero and Nathan Savill--despite the fact that both lost in close matches.
"Those two didn't have the best day in their results, but both showed a lot of physical and mental toughness in playing long matches, which is a good sign for us this early in the season. Douglas in particular showed some big game in dealing with a solid player who has had great results thus far. He is close to breaking through and continues to get better every match, which is a key for our team to be successful down the road."
Oliviero dropped a 6-4, 4-6 (8-10) decision to Pedro Avila, while Savill held a match point before falling 4-6, 6-2, 6-7 (6) to Danila Galovic.
Wesleyan continues their swing through North Carolina on Sunday, when they face the Mount Olive Trojans, ranked #46 in the nation. Match time is set for 1pm at the Walker Tennis Center.
