Alabama
TBD
Tide Wins Five Matches on First day at UCF Invitational
1/6/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Jan. 6, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. - The men's tennis team earned five wins on the first day of action at the UCF Invitational Tournament, which is being held at the UCF Tennis Complex. The Crimson Tide won three of the four singles matches it competed in and claimed both doubles matches on the day.
"I was exceptionally pleased with our level of play," said Alabama head coach Billy Pate, "especially considering it was the first day to compete this semester."
In doubles, senior Ricky Doverspike and freshman Filippos Tsangaridis teamed up to post an 8-2 win over the Knight pair of senior Eugene Dolgovykh and sophomore Erik Brunskog. Senior Michael Thompson and freshman David Vieyra earned Alabama's second win in doubles with an 8-4 decision over UCF senior Joe Delinks and sophomore Mitch Thams.
The Tide also had success in singles, with all three of its victories coming in straight sets. Tsangaridis would, once again, face Brunskog where the Alabama newcomer came out on top, 7-6, 6-3. Vieyra and Thams also had another rematch, where Vieyra earned the 6-1, 6-3 win. Thompson would pick up the Tide's third victory in singles with a 6-1, 6-4 win against Knight junior Mario Samson. Also representing Alabama in singles was Doverspike, who was edged out by UCF junior Jorge Blasco, 7-6, 6-4.
"Filippos and David had a great start to their careers at Alabama," added Pate. "I was impressed with the poised they demonstrated in their first collegiate performances. Ricky hit the ball well and had plenty of chances being up 5-2 in the first set. Though he ultimately lost, it was his first match back after a three-month injury layoff, so there were a few signs of rust."
Matches resume on Saturday at 7 a.m. for the Tide.
RESULTS
Doubles Doverspike/Tsangaridis (UA) def. Dolgovykh/Brunskog (UCF) 8-2
Thompson/Vieyra (UA) def. Delinks/Thams (UCF) 8-4
Singles
Jorge Blasco (UCF) def. Ricky Doverspike (UA) 7-6, 6-4
Filippos Tsangaridis (UA) def. Erik Brunskog (UCF) 7-6, 6-3
David Vieyra (UA) def. Mitch Thams (UCF) 6-1, 6-3
Michael Thompson (UA) def. Mario Samson (UCF) 6-1, 6-4
Players Mentioned
