Box Score (PDF)
FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason University men's tennis team gave A-10 blue blood VCU a run but ultimately fell in the program's A-10 opener Friday afternoon.
"We came out and battle today," head coach Jimmy Davis said. "VCU is a great program and playing at a very high level this year. We had our chances and we definitely got better as a team today. We need to continue working on closing out pressure points an playing our game in tense situations, but I like where we are heading and I think this gave the guys some confidence to see they can compete with the top ranked team in our conference."
Mason's No. 1 doubles tandem of senior
Ryan Charles and sophomore
Rithik Sardana led the way for the Green & Gold, winning their match 6-4 over VCU's talented Bertimon/Coulaud duo. Charles and Sardana are 2-0 to begin the season at the top doubles spot.
VCU won the other two doubles tilts to lead the match 1-0. The Rams then captured the six singles matches to complete the victory.
Sardana also put together a valiant effort at No. 1 singles against Lleyton Cronje, capturing the second set against the VCU ace, 6-3.
Junior
Rishab Sardana pushed VCU's Inigo Torre Martin to the limit at No. 3 singles, falling 7-5, 6-4.
And at No. 4 singles, junior
Erick Rivas forced a second set tiebreak against Quentin Coulaud, but ultimately fell in extra points, 7-5.
Mason now takes an 11-day competitive hiatus before returning to action on Wednesday, March 17 against Mary Washington. First serve at the Mason Tennis Courts is set for 3 p.m.
RESULTS
#1 Doubles: Rit. Sardana/Charles (MASON) def. Bertimon/Coulaud (VCU), 6-4
#2 Doubles: Torre/Stable (VCU) def. Ris. Sardana/Rivas (MASON), 6-3
#3 Doubles: Cronje/Duron (VCU) def. Alkhafaji/Maxwell (MASON), 6-0
#1 Singles: Cronje (VCU) def. Rit. Sardana (MASON), 6-1, 3-6, 6-0
#2 Singles: Bertimon (VCU) def. Charles (MASON), 6-1, 6-2
#3 Singles: Torre (VCU) def. Ris. Sardana (MASON), 7-5, 6-4
#4 Singles: Coulaud (VCU) def. Rivas (MASON), 6-0, 7-6 (5)
#5 Singles: Stable (VCU) def. Khan (MASON), 6-2, 6-3
#6 Singles: Clerny (VCU) def. Postin (MASON), 6-4, 6-1
