MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In a very close match, the Alcorn State men's tennis team outlasted Alabama A&M 4-3 on Sunday at Lagoon Park. Following their first league victory, the Braves improve to 2-8 overall, and 1-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, while the Bulldogs fall to 1-5 and 1-1 in the league.
Alcorn began the match by claiming the doubles point after coming from behind. The pair of Freddie Lawrence and German Ruiz Crespo defeated Santiago Rocca and Kareem Bowe 6-1 on the third court. The Braves took the last two doubles set to clinch. Alcorn duo Luka Andonov and Luka Rodic defeated Divesh Gahlot and Cheng Chang, 6-4, and David Pata and Lucas Dini won the battle against Rodrigo Arana Rios and Vence Ntcha 7-5 on the first court.
The Bulldogs quickly tied the Braves in the singles contest after Matis Ramis posted a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Isaac Santitto.
However, the two teams found themselves in a back-and-forth as sets were traded. Dini for Alcorn won 6-2, 6-1 against Rodrigo Aran Rios on court one to give the Braves a 2-1 advantage. The Bulldogs tied the game at 2 as Natiphat Mulada defeated Andonov due to retirement with two set scores of 6-4, 4-1. Pata put Alcorn back on top, getting past Ntcha 6-3, 6-4.
Tying the game at 3, AAMU's Freddie Lawrence defeated Rocca in three sets 6-4, 2-6, and 6-1 on the fifth court. Rodic defeated Gahlot and claimed the Braves victory 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 for the final point of the contest.
Alcorn State returns to action on Sunday, March 27, traveling to Baton Rouge, La., to take on LSU. The first serve is set for 2:00 p.m.
For the latest on Alcorn State men's tennis, check AlcornSports.com for the latest news and scheduling information, or follow the Braves through Twitter (@BravesSports), Facebook (Alcorn State Sports), and Instagram (@AlcornSports).
