LAKE WALES, Fla. (February 4, 2025) - Men's tennis earned their first win of the spring season on Tuesday, defeating the Warner Royals 6-1 on their home court.
The Tars made a statement on the doubles court, sweeping all three matches. The first to finish was the combo of
Nico de Giacomo/
Fabian Gusic, who swept Huth/Mittal 6-0. On court one,
Luke Quaynor/
Richard Stoiberer had to fight, but in the end came out on top, 6-4, over Barauna/Quinones to earn the point. For good measure, Rollins also captured court two where
Mo Anterist/
Pete Tran dispatched Infante/Rodriguez, 6-3.
The Royals got the point back on the featured court due to a withdrawal from Quaynor against Quinones. That was the only blotch on the scoresheet for the day as the Tars controlled the remaining five courts. Stoiberer wrapped up his day with a smooth 6-1, 6-1 win over Mittal on number six. Then it was de Giacomo with a 6-0, 6-2 effort against Barauna on number three. Rollins claimed victory for the day with their third singles win coming from court five where Anterist played to a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Infante.
Though the final two matches were unnecessary, the boys were playing for pride on both sides. Fabian Gusi had his hands full on two against Arthur Fernandess. After winning the first set 6-3, he was taken to a tiebreak in set two, but managed a 7-6 (4) win.
The final action saw
Pete Tran and Luis Rodriguez in an epic battle from number four. The freshman Tran took set one with ease, 6-2, but then fell 6-4 in the second frame. That led to a third set where it took everything Tran had to escape with a 11-9 win.
"It was a solid first match for the squad today," remarked head coach
Jay Friedman. "It was really good to see our young team get out there in the first real test of the elements. I was happy with the way we handled things, and we are very excited now to turn our full attention to next week as we travel to play indoors. This group is very excited about how their games will play on an indoor court."
Next up for Rollins is a trip to Indiana. They will start with a match against Wabash College on February 12 before taking part in the ITA Indoor National Championship, which begins on February 14. The event features eight of the top teams in the country. The Tars will open the brack-style tournament as the #5 seed.
Friedman also had this to add about Warner, who is losing their tennis program following the season: "Our hearts certainly go out to the Warner team who is up against more than just its opponents this year. It's sad to see the end of a program, and we hope it won't be too long of a hiatus, but it's never something we want to see. We certainly wish each of those guys the best of luck in their final season and in whatever the future holds for their tennis journey."
