Men's Tennis Sweeps Southern Miss to Improve to Program-Best, 14-1Men's Tennis Sweeps Southern Miss to Improve to Program-Best, 14-1

Men's Tennis Sweeps Southern Miss to Improve to Program-Best, 14-1

by Hailey Traina

ORLANDO – The UCF men’s tennis team swept its final non-conference match against Southern Miss Thursday night, 7-0, in yet another dominating display from the squad. Strong doubles play complimented a consistent performance in singles to secure the Knights their first 14-1 start in program history.

The Knights claimed the doubles point and put themselves on the board early on. Liam Branger and Santiago Giamichelle secured the first victory for UCF on court two, 6-1, in their first appearance together in Black and Gold. Emilio Sanchez and Francisco Llanes secured the clinching victory against Southern Miss, 6-3, leaving Paul Colin and Yassine Dlimi’s match unfinished.

In singles, Colin started the Knights off strong, defeating the Golden Eagles’ Saheb Sohdi in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1, and tallying the first singles point of the match. 

Shortly after, Dlimi bested his 2023 record against Dakotah Bobo 6-1, 6-4 to earn another point for the Black and Gold. The Morrocan native is on fire with a nine-match winning streak and a 12-match unbeaten streak. 

In his second singles contest of the season, Sanchez slotted in and dominated on court six to take his bout in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. Quickly following the Spaniard’s clincher, his doubles partner bested Shamirul Shahril on court two 6-2, 6-5. 

Branger defeated Southern Miss’ Olimjon Nabiev on court three, 6-2, 6-5, as Mehdi Benchakroun’s bout with Henry Lamchinniah five marked the sixth and final singles victory on the night for UCF, as the sophomore defeated in a back and forth matchup. Benchakroun clinched the first set in a 7-6 tiebreaker. The sophomore secured the final point of the match for the Knights 6-2. 

The Knights hit the road as they embark on their first conference match against No. 9 Texas on March 22 before concluding the road swing at No. 19 Baylor on the 24th.

Singles Results

  1. Yassine Dlimi (UCF) def. Dakotah Bobo (SM) 6-1, 6-4 
  2. Francisco Llanes (UCF) def. Shamirul Shahril (SM) 6-2, 6-2
  3. Liam Branger (UCF) def. Olimjon Nabiev (SM) 6-2, 7-5
  4. Paul Colin (UCF) def. Saheb Sodhi (SM) 6-2, 6-1
  5. Mehdi Benchakroun (UCF) def. Henry Lamchinniah (SM) 7-6 (7-2), 6-2
  6. Emilio Sanchez (UCF) def. Olle Noltorp (SM) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles Results

  1. Yassine Dlimi/Paul Colin (UCF) vs. Dakotah Bobo/Henry Lamchinniah (SM) 4-5, unfinished 
  2. Liam Branger/Santiago Giamichelle (UCF) def. Olimjon Nabiev/Saheb Sodhi (SM) 6-1 
  3. Emilio Sanchez/Francisco Llanes (UCF) def. Pasawee Reansuwong/Shamirul Shahril (SM) 6-3

Order of Finish

  • Singles: 4,1,6,2,3,5
  • Doubles: 2,3