Eagles Down Spartans 4-3

Sunday, March 8

Greensboro, N.C.

12 p.m.

Georgia Southern University

UNCG

3/8/2015 10:08:00 PM | Men's Tennis

By: Erika Brennan

Greensboro, Nc. – The Eagles (5-6) defeated the University of North Carolina Greensboro Sunday 4-3. The win marks the first victory over the Spartans for the seniors on the squad, and it was fitting that the match would come down to seniors Albert Codina Sala and Kyle Hoffman.

"Today was a great team win," said Head Coach Alexander Koning. "Everybody contributed, the support from the guys who weren't on the court was incredible. Overall, I am very happy for our seniors, we haven't beaten UNC-G since they have been here, so to have it come down to them at the end and them going after it the way they did is great for them and the team. They embraced the pressure and got the result."

The Eagles started out when the No. 3 doubles tandem of Joan Carles Alcala and Christian Kerrigan combined to defeat Logan Walker and James Gray 8-3. From there, however, the Spartans would respond at No. 1 doubles as Randy Phillips and Connor Thompson were victorious over Jose Landin and Kyle Hoffman 8-6.

The doubles point would come down to the No. 2 duo of Albert Codina Sala and Ristomatti Lanne. Going down to the wire, it was the UNC-G duo of William Albright and Warren Bryan who would end the match more aggressive and win it on a passing shot 8-7 (8-6).

The Spartans began the singles matches with a 1-0 lead over the Eagles. At No. 4, Thompson would bounce Landin 6-0, 6-1 to make it 2-0 in favor of the Spartans.

Alcala played solid and took care of business at No. 5 singles as he dispatched Albright 6-2, 6-1. Moments later, Nico de Groof handled Walker at No. 6 6-2, 6-2 to knot the overall match at 2-2.

At No. 1, Phillips would get the win over Lanne 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 to put the Spartans on top 3-2.

With their backs against the wall, and needing wins in the final two matches, the Eagles' seniors showed great poise.

At No. 2, Codina Sala defeated Daniel Mack 6-3, 7-6 (7-3). Although he won the 1st set, he was down a break 4-5 in the 2nd set but rallied to make some critical shots and win it in a tie break.

With the score tied 3-3, it would all come down to Hoffman in the end. The 3-set thriller would go Hoffman's way as he setback Cameron Smith 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4). Down a break the entire 3rd set, Hoffman managed to break Smith at 4-5. The pair would end up breaking each other 2 more times before going in to the tie break. Hoffman, playing aggressively, took his game to his opponent and secured the victory.

"This weekend was a great victory for the entire team," said senior Hoffman. "Both wins this weekend were true team victories where every member contributed equally to our success. We are very optimistic about our future as a team and are looking forward to competing in the upcoming matches."

The Eagles, riding a 2 match win streak, will return to the Wallis Tennis Center Sunday March 15th for a 12 p.m. tilt against University of Central Florida

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