Photo by samsphotoservices.com
Fullerton, CA — On Saturday both the men's and women's tennis teams secured the win against the Hope International Royals. It was the season opener for the men with a 7-0 sweep over the Royals and a 5-2 victory for the women. The duels, which were held at the Fullerton Tennis Center, used NAIA scoring, meaning that there is just one point awarded for winning two out of the three doubles matches. The remaining six singles matches each receive a point.
Oxy Men
The men's #1 Doubles team, Matt O'Conner and Michael Abagyan, won their match 6-0. Sam Coan and Seth Lipe at #2 Doubles won their match 6-2. Finally at #3, the pairing of Zach Haas and David Zhang took home the win with another 6-0 score.
In singles, the men won all their matches, nearly all in straight sets. Matt O'Connor and Michael Abagyan both displayed athleticism and big ball striking in their matches.
Matt O'Connor, a junior who stands at 6'6", won many points off his big serve. At the #1 Singles spot he secured a solid 6-2, 6-3 victory over Reid Lozardo of the Royals. It was his first college duel in almost two years, due to pandemic related restrictions. After, O'Connor said, "It feels awesome playing a college match again, especially with this team. We have a great group of guys and an awesome coach. I'm feeling super excited for the rest of the season!"
Michael Abagyan, a first year from San Diego, CA, showed promise in his college opener. He battled to win at the #2 Singles spot 6-4, 6-3.
Other wins from the day include David Zhang's 6-4, 6-1 victory at the #3 spot, Sam Coan with a 7-6(3), 6-2 win at #4, and Seth Lipe's win of 6-3, 7-5 at #5. Brett Miller, another first year on the team, battled from a set down to win his match 2-6, 6-4, 1-0(3) at the #6 spot.
Oxy Women
For the Oxy Tiger women, the duel against Hope International was their second of the season. It proved to be another opportunity to expose both new and returning players to tough competition. The Tigers found a way to win and earned a 5-2 victory over the Royals.
Junior Andei Fukushige was the first to win her singles match, securing a 6-2, 6-0 victory at the #1 Singles spot over the Royal's Julia Ramos. Her well-placed shots, including several forehand winners, were instrumental in winning the match.
Sarah Fleming and Dana Edson both had wins at #2 and #3 spots, respectively. Fleming came away with a 6-3, 6-3 win by stringing together long points filled with cross-court rallies. Edson, a first year, fought off her opponent's comeback in the second set and contributed with her 6-0, 7-5 win.
At the #5 singles spot Katie Wolber ensured the Tiger's success with her 6-2, 6-3 victory. It was the senior's first singles match of the season. Afterwards, she said, "I did what I needed to do in order to win. My serve felt on today and that gave me confidence."
The Tigers were able to win the doubles point with matches won at the #2 and #3 spots. Andei Fukushige and Xavi Campbell won 6-2. At #3, Katie Wolber and junior Lily Lin won 6-1.
Next Matches:
The Tiger women have a small break until their next match at home against Trinity University of San Antonio, Texas on February 25th. The match will start at 6:30 PM.
The men's team have almost a month to prepare for their next match on March 3rd against the Christopher Newport Captains. The match will take place at home at 3:30 PM.
