Jan. 10, 2016
UCF Spring Invitational (1-10-16) - Images by UCF Knights
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF men's tennis team closed out strong on the final day of the UCF Spring Invitational. The Knights went 7-1 in singles action at the UCF Tennis Complex on Sunday.
Related: UCF Spring Invitational Day One Photos | Day Two Photos
"Our team played really well this weekend," head coach Bobby Cashman said. "It was a great start for our guys; they played hard. We are just getting our feet wet. Now we're hungry and looking to build on this momentum as we prepare for a St. John's team that beat us last year."
Senior Jose Sangroniz started the Knights off strong with a straight set (6-0, 6-4) win over The Citadel's Anzalone in the Black singles draw. Junior Reece Acree kept the Black draw momentum going with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over The Citadel's Henson.
Sophomore Nico De Fraia posted matching 6-1 scores to defeat The Citadel's Hobson in the Gold draw singles. Sophomore Tyler Pate topped FAMU's Hasona, 6-2, 6-2, to give the Knights their second Gold singles win and fourth on the day. Junior Arjun Watane handled FAMU's Evans, 6-4, 6-2, for the third Gold singles victory.
Junior Chris Barrus won a battle with FAMU's Espinoza to deliver the sixth UCF win of the day. He came out on top 7-6 (7), 6-1 in the Black draw. Freshman Jack Thiessen kept his hot hand, defeating The Citadel's Grady 6-1, 6-0 in the Gold draw.
Junior Mariano Porter won the tiebreaker to take his opening set, 7-6(6), but dropped the next two, 6-2, 6-3, to FAMU's Small.
The Knights finished the weekend 22-2 in singles action and 3-1 in doubles play. Six Knights posted 3-0 records in singles action.
UCF is back in action on Jan. 19, hosting St. John's. The first dual match of the season is slated for a 2 p.m. start at the UCF Tennis Complex.
Story by Megan Herboth; Photos by Brad Helton