FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's tennis team (2-2) started its home schedule off in strong fashion, taking down Howard 5-2 on Sunday morning at the Mason Tennis Courts.
The Patriots swept the doubles point, then won four of six singles matches to grab the victory.
"The guys fought hard today and we definitely made a big improvement in our doubles," head coach Jimmy Davis said. "There's still a lot of work to do in practice to get to our A-games, but we've been progressing each match and are excited to keep seeing our improvements as we get closer to conferences."
In doubles, Mason took control at all points within the lineup. The No. 1 tandem of
Rithik Sardana and
Ryan Charles won easily over Howard's Cadeau/Dunac pairing, 6-1.
Rishab Sardana and
Faisal Alrebdi won 6-2 at the second spot, while
Momin Khan and
Michael Pollatos won at No. 3, 6-2, over Howard's Martin/Khales pairing.
In singles,
Rishab Sardana also put together a strong performance, winning in three sets over Cadeau of Howard. After dropping the first set, 7-5, he roared back to win the second 7-6 (7-3 tiebreaker) and the third, 6-2.
At No. 2 singles, brother
Rithik Sardana won in straight sets. He took the first, 6-4, then won in a tiebreak in the second, 7-6 (8-6).
Junior
Momin Khan continued his strong play this spring with a win at No. 3. He easily took down Dunac of Howard, 6-3, 6-3.
At No. 6, junior
Faisal Alrebdi rounded out the Mason victories. He won quickly in two sets, 6-4, 6-1.
The Patriots are off until March 14, when they open their annual spring break trip to Hilton Head, S.C. Mason will begin the week against South Carolina State.
DOUBLES
Rish. Sardana/Charles (GMU) def. Cadeau/Dunac (HOW), 6-1
Rith. Sardana/Alrebdi (GMU) def. Bailey/Dawson (HOW), 6-2
Khan/Pollatos (GMU) def. Martin/Khales (HOW), 6-2
SINGLES
Rish. Sardana (GMU) def. Cadeau (HOW), 5-7, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2
Rith. Sardana (GMU) def. Bailey (HOW), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6)
Khan (GMU) def. Dunac (HOW), 6-3, 6-3
Dawson (HOW) def. Jentoft (GMU), 4-6, 6-2, 6-4
Dieng (HOW) def. Charles (GMU), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-4
Alrebdi (GMU) def. Martin (HOW), 6-4, 6-1
