The Wayne State University men’s tennis team, ranked 14th nationally, faced a challenging match against the 17th-ranked Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Sunday. The competition concluded with Wayne State suffering a 5-2 defeat, bringing their season record to 8-3.
In doubles play, Wayne State secured the doubles point by winning two out of three matches. Cedric Drenth and George Day triumphed in the No. 1 position with a 7-5 victory over Michele Iftimie and Jashua Nuyts. Sam Knowles and Tom Wasner also succeeded in the No. 2 spot, defeating Enrico Rosellini and Alvaro Diaz Rodrigo in a closely contested match that ended 7-6 (10-8). However, Benjamin Hill and Luis Klaus were unable to secure a win in the No. 3 slot, losing to Wilson Igbinovia and Mason Cisco by a score of 6-3.
In singles competition, Sam Knowles was the only player from Wayne State to claim victory. Competing in the No. 6 position, he defeated Mason Cisco with scores of 6-3, 6-4. Other players faced tough matches; Drenth lost to Igbinovia after three sets (6-4, 5-7, 6-2), while Day was overcome by Nuyts (5-7, 7-5, 6-4). Wasner fell to Rosellini (7-5, 6-0) despite leading early in the first set. Hill won his first set against Diaz Rodrigo but could not maintain his lead as he lost the next two sets (6-4, 7-6 [7-4]). Klaus forced a tie-breaker set against Iftimie but ultimately lost (7-6 [10-8]).
Head Coach Bryan Morrow commented on the match: “Hard-fought loss today; the guys fought like crazy. The weather was definitely challenging for both teams, playing through some hot and humid conditions. It was a great college tennis match as both teams played very well. Embry-Riddle is a very solid team and are very well coached. The match had a great college atmosphere. It was a great match and although we came up a little short, I am still very proud of the way that the boys competed and played.”
Wayne State will look to bounce back as they prepare for their next match against Flagler College on Tuesday at noon at the Pollard Tennis Center.
