Doubles Sweep Propels Tritons to 6-2 Victory at Ave Maria

AVE MARIA, Fla. – Fighting through strong wind, the Eckerd Tritons men's tennis team picked up its second victory of the season in as many contests with a 6-2 decision over the Ave Maria Gyrenes.

The win was propelled by a dominant performance in doubles as the Tritons (2-0) took all three points which allowed them to enter singles play with a commanding lead. Head coach Ben Maxwell enjoyed having the early lead especially since the strong winds could alter play in singles.

"Doubles was really good today, and all of the guys meshed well and fed off each other's energy," he said. "Despite having 20 mile per hour winds, all of the guys focused and got the job done allowing us to start with a huge 3-0 lead."

The Tritons clinched the team victory over Ave Maria (1-5) quickly as they were victorious in the first two singles matches to be completed. Victor Appleqvist started it off with a 7-5, 6-2 win at first singles and Alasdair Knox secured it at fourth singles, 6-2, 6-4, despite pulling his right calf at 3-3 in the second set.

"He wanted to continue," said Maxwell of his freshman's perseverance. "His immense focus and determination to finish was something to admire. I am extremely proud of his effort today."

He continued with praise for his No. 1 singles player.

"Victor played a tough opponent," Maxwell said, "but his rhythm and feel of the ball really showed as he played smart."

The No. 6 singles match did not take place since the match was already decided.

"The men had a great win today," added Maxwell. "They all played hard-fought matches, and we are excited with the result."

The Tritons return to action on Wednesday, March 2 as they play host to the John Carroll Blue Streaks. The match is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM at the Dick Bullard Courts.
 
ECKERD COLLEGE (2-0) DEF. AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY (1-5), 6-2
Doubles
1) Victor Appelqvist & Yosua Husodo (EC) def. David Zuleta & Elias Zaghra (AVU), 8-1
2) James McManus & Frazier Springfield (EC) def. Brian Schmidt & Daniel Pardo (AVU), 8-5
3) Alasdair Knox & Eddie Lewis (EC) def. Zach Sadusky & TJ Fischer (AVU), 8-4

Singles
1) Appelqvist (EC) def. Zuleta (AVU), 7-5, 6-2
2) Zaghra (AVU) def. McManus (EC), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 10-7
3) Schmidt (AVU) def. Husodo (EC), 8-5
4) Knox (EC) def. Fischer (AVU), 6-2, 6-4
5) Springfield (EC) def. Sadusky (AVU), 8-0
6) Did not play