After rallying to secure the doubles point, the young Elon University men’s tennis team split the singles to earn to a 4-3 win over Brown University Friday afternoon at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.
“It’s nice just to get a good, tough match outdoors in because we haven’t had one,” said head coach Michael Leonard, “That was something we really needed.”
The Phoenix (5-3) trailed in doubles after losing 6-0 at No. 2, but freshmen Mario Paccini and Salvador Mijares rallied to win No. 1 doubles on a tiebreaker 7-6 (7-5). After trailing 5-1, juniors Petar Tomic and Chris Humphreys rallied to take a 7-6 (8-6) victory at No. 3 and clinch the doubles point for Elon.
Mijares gave the Phoenix a 2-0 lead at the start of singles play, winning No. 4 in straight sets 6-2, 6-0. Brown (6-5) responded with a win at No. 1 and No. 6 singles to tie the match 2-2.
Senior Rob Lindgren responded at No. 3 with a straight sets victory 7-5, 7-5 and gave the Phoenix a 3-2 lead. Freshman Felipe Sarrasegue clinched the match for Elon with a 7-5, 6-4 win at No. 2 singles.
“When I have all the pressure on me, I embrace it,” Sarrasegue said. “I play for the team and not only for me. I love playing here in college.”
The Phoenix looks to continue its streak at 1 p.m. Sunday when they face Virginia Commonwealth University at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.