UCF - Furman stats
GREENVILLE, S.C. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF men's tennis team rallied in singles action, but came up short in a 4-2 decision against Furman at Mickel Tennis Center on Saturday afternoon.
It was a tough team loss today, junior Chris Barrus said. The team fought hard, and we still have some things to work on. We will be ready for our next challenge.
Furman jumped out to an early lead in the match with a win at No. 2 doubles. The Paladins outlasted the Knights at No. 1 doubles to claim the point and take a 1-0 lead into singles.
A win at No. 3 singles pushed Furman's edge to 2-0, but the Knights cut the lead in half with a 6-2, 6-2 win from sophomore Nico De Fraia at No. 5 singles.
After the Paladins added a third point with a win at No. 4 singles, UCF rallied on court two to pull within a point, 3-2.
Chris Barrus bounced back after dropping the first set at No. 2 singles to down Matt Browne, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.
I was happy to be able to contribute to the match in singles, and will look to continue that trend, Barrus said.
The Paladins clinched the match victory with a straight-set win at No. 1 singles.
The Knights return to action on April 1, hosting Troy at the UCF Tennis Complex. Doubles action will begin at 10 a.m.
Coaches Corner
We must improve a couple areas that are within our control. We can. We will.
It was a highly competitive match in which Furman made the right plays more often than we did. We are eager to return home and continue to improve.
Furman 4, UCF 2
Singles competition
1. Adam Steryous (FUR) def. Inaki Espindola (UCF) 7-5, 6-2
2. Chris Barrus (UCF) def. Matt Browne (FUR) 3-6, 6-0, 6-3
3. Cameron Green (FUR) def. Jose Sangroniz (UCF) 6-3, 6-2
4. Ben Horst (FUR) def. Mariano Porter (UCF) 6-4, 7-5
5. Nico De Fraia (UCF) def. Alex Steryous (FUR) 6-2, 6-2
6. Josh Pistorius (FUR) vs. Reece Acree (UCF) 7-6, 5-4, unfinished
Doubles competition
1. Ben Horst/Matt Browne (FUR) def. Chris Barrus/Inaki Espindola (UCF) 7-5
2. Cameron Green/Alex Steryous (FUR) def. Reece Acree/Tyler Pate (UCF) 6-3
3. Josh Pistorius/Adam Steryous (FUR) vs. Mariano Porter/Jack Thiessen (UCF) 5-4, unfinished
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1); Singles (3,5,4,2,1)
Story by Megan Herboth; Photos by Brad Helton