The Kennesaw State men’s tennis team met historic feats against ASUN opponent, North Alabama Lions, in a match that resulted in a 7-0 victory for the Owls on April 14.
The Owls’ success throughout the season has led them to accomplish quite a notable regular-season record of 15-5 overall. These overall 15 wins have been marked as the most wins in a season in the history of the program.
Additionally, the Owls have dominated their ASUN opponents, racking up a record of 7-1 in the ASUN Conference. This victory against the Lions propelled KSU to gain at least a share of the ASUN regular-season title. This is also the first time in history that this momentous event has occurred. KSU has additionally added the most road wins in a season to this season’s repertoire with an astounding eight road wins.
The key to victory was credited to KSU obtaining a win in all six singles matches.
Raul Garcia kickstarted KSU’s lead against the Lions in the singles match. Garcia managed to get KSU to a 2-0 lead with a 6-0, 6-0 win against his North Alabama opponent.
The Owls continued to be a powerhouse as fellow teammates also rose to the occasion. A 6-2, 6-0 win by Kevin Patel stretched KSU’s lead. Hugo Salmeron clinched a 6-0, 6-3 victory defeating his North Alabama opponent. KSU collected a complete shutout against North Alabama with the assistance of the victories garnered by Harvey Conway (6-3, 6-2), Matthew Terry (7-6 (7-0), 6-0) and Sergio Ingles (6-3, 7-6 (7-5)).
KSU also locked in and won the doubles point, securing victory.
Upon the doubles match, Garcia and Conway were able to defeat North Alabama opponents, Jamie Bixby and Guilherme Diniz, 6-2 on court two. Another point was clinched from a doubles match as Seru Tezuka and Inglesscored a 6-2 win over their North Alabama opponents, Chris Zhang and Sam Tolbert.
“I couldn’t be happier for these guys,” Director of Tennis Matt Emery said. “They deserve everything great that comes their way this year.”
Emery went on to express more gratitude saying, “These guys have more than paid their dues over these past three or four years and they have just continued to put their heads down and keep working. I also want to thank our assistant coaches, Coach Lewis and Coach Pritchard.”
“This would not happen without their tireless and selfless investment day in and day out,” Emery stated. “We are going to enjoy this one for a day and then start preparing for our first match next weekend at the ASUN Tournament.”
“Everyone did a great job taking care of business across all the spots today,” Patel said. “It paid off today because of the work every single player has put in throughout the season. We are looking forward to making more history at the conference tournament next week.”
The Owls have been announced as the number two seed for the ASUN Men’s Tennis Championship, earning the Owls a First Round bye. KSU will play the winners of the Jacksonville and Liberty First Round tournament game. The ASUN Tennis Championship tournament is scheduled for April 22-24 at the FGCU Tennis Complex in Fort Myers, Florida.
