Tars Survive Scare from #10 Eagles

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 27, 2025) - Men's tennis had an impressive comeback against Emrby-Riddle on Thursday, taking the final two singles matches to win 4-3. The Trs improve to 6-2 on the year with a 2-0 record in the SSC. The Eagles drop to 5-2, 3-1 SSC.

The top-ten matchup started with Rollins securing the doubles point with wins on two of three courts. Luke Quaynor/Pete Tran were the first to finish on number one, winning 6-4 over Iftimie/Nuyts. On court three, Pietro Cappellaro/Nico de Giacomo also had a 6-4 win, defeating Cisco/Igbinovia. Though the point was secured, the teams played out court two, with Embry-Riddle escaping with a 7-6 (1) win. 

The Eagles were gifted the tying point in singles when Tran had to withdraw on court four while holding a lead due to injury. Nico de Giacomo answered back on behalf of the Tars with a 6-3, 6-4 effort on number three. The back-and-forth affair then continued with an Embry-Riddle point going to Nuyts on court two as he passed Gusic 6-4, 6-4. 

The featured court was a tough three-setter that saw Igbinovia outlast Quaynor by a score of 6-1, 5-7, 6-0. 

With Rollins on the ropes, Richard Stoiberer calmly worked his way past Iftimie with identical 6-4 sets. That put all eyes on court six for the final point. 

Mason Cisco and Pietro Cappellaro, two freshmen, were battling it out in the final match. Cisco needed a tiebreaker, but managed ot take the first set, 7-5. Cappellaro had a great response though, winning 6-3 in set two. With his teammates cheering him on, the Italian came through with another 6-3 effort to claim the match. 

"What a match today," exclaimed head coach Jay Friedman. "Always enjoy playing Embry-Riddle because it's always competitive to the end, and a fair fight. PC stepped in and won the day for us. What a gritty effort by him and a memory for us all to watch him perform, playing the whole third set in front of everyone with the pressure on. So proud for him in this moment."

The Tars will only have one day to rest up before heading back to the courts on Saturday with a match against the #15 University of Charleston. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 pm.