Oct. 21, 2011
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ATHENS, Ga. (UCFAthletics.com) - Mitch Thams of the UCF men's tennis team picked up a huge victory Friday at the ITA Southeast Regionals at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex. During the singles round of 64, the sophomore defeated fifth seed Tripper Carleton, 6-4, 6-3.
Carleton is ranked 69th in the country. Thams will face Levan Clark of Florida A&M in second round action Saturday.
"This was a great win for Mitch," UCF head coach Bobby Cashman. "He played a complete match today. Mitch led the second set 4-1 before Carleton brought it back to 4-3. Mitch maintained his composure and got it done. This was a good win for him and our program."
The event in Athens began Thursday morning.
Two other Knights competed in singles play Friday. In the round of 64, Francesc Aulina topped Daniel Sotomarino of North Florida, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3. Florida State's Andres Bucaro held of Mario Samson, 6-3, 6-1.
In doubles, Samson and Aulina fell to the No. 2 seed, Georgia Tech's Kevin King and Dustin Miljevic, 9-8 (1). Thams played with Juan Bolona, and the pair got knocked off by Campbell Johnson and Will Reynolds of Georgia (8-6).
"Overall we had a good day," Cashman said. "I am proud of Kiku (Aulina) for hanging in there after a lopsided second set. He came alive in the third and pressured his opponent into mistakes. He is starting to learn how to play aggressive percentage tennis and if continues to develop, he will be a tough out."
The tournament is serving as the fourth of the fall for the Knights. Play in Athens will resume Saturday.
Round of 64 Singles Mitch Thams (UCF) def. Tripper Carleton (UF) 6-4, 6-3
Francesc Aulina (UCF) def. Daniel Sotomarino (UNF) 6-2, 1-6, 6-3
Andres Bucaro (FSU) def. Mario Samson (UCF) 6-3, 6-1
Second Round Doubles
King/Miljevic (GT) def. Aulina/Samson (UCF) 9-8 (1)
Johnson/Reynolds (UGA) def. Thams/Bolona (UCF) 8-6