CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men's tennis improves to 5-1 as they top UTSA in their first home match of the spring season. After falling early and losing the doubles point, the Islanders battled back to defeat the Roadrunners 4-3.
"This match was a dog fight," said Coach Steve Moore. "UTSA has a very good team this year. I thought we started out flat in doubles, and they started out with great energy and spirit. It was no surprise that they took the doubles point, because they earned it. But, I thought our guys showed tremendous character starting the singles. They fought each point with great energy, footwork, and spirit – all things they can control. We learned a lot from this match, and were fortunate to win. I was very proud of Biyik, who has showed tremendous maturity. I also though Francois grew a lot today, and fought very hard. As a team, we learned that we must play every point with energy and intensity. Every point with no exceptions, which is a very valuable lesson. Just a few loose points define winning or losing a match."
"This was a special day," Moore continued, "with the 1971 Hall of Fame team here cheering and supporting us. I can't put into words how much they meant to our guys. Ken de Koning, Jorge Andrew, and Humphrey Hose represent greatness for this University. I felt their mere presence uplifted the guys. Those three men stand for everything we're trying so hard to be about here - character, family, and excellence. We were very blessed to have them here today, and have the opportunity to learn from them and honor them."
FINAL STATS:
Singles – Order of Finish: 2,3,6,4,1,5
1. Francois Kellerman (AMCC) def. Kai Breitbach (UTSA) 6-3, 7-6
2. William Mottet (AMCC) def. Juri Reckow (UTSA) 6-2, 6-1
3. Gabriel Bugiga (UTSA) def. Thomas Rodrigues (AMCC) 6-4, 6-3
4. Carlos Pedrosa (AMCC) def. Javier Gonzalez (UTSA) 6-4, 7-5
5. Joao Ceolin (UTSA) def. Okkie Kellerman (AMCC) 7-6, 7-6
6. Biyik Akinshemoyin (AMCC) def. Patrick Poestinger (UTSA) 6-1, 6-4
Doubles – Order of Finish: 2,3,1
1. Francois Kellerman/Okkie Kellerman (AMCC) vs. Juri Reckow/Javier Gonzalez (UTSA) 5-4, susp.
2. Joao Ceolin/Igor Cantanhede (UTSA) def. William Mottet/David Ambrozic (AMCC) 6-3
3. Gabriel Bugiga/Kai Breitbach (UTSA) def Thomas Rodrigues/Carlos Pedrosa (AMCC) 6-4
What's next: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men's tennis remains at home, looking ahead to Tuesday's matchup against UTRGV. The men take the court at 2 PM, hoping to extend their win-streak to 6 with a victory over the Vaqueros.
