FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Utah State men's tennis (6-3) started its week on a high note Monday, taking a 4-3 win at Northern Arizona.
NAU took the early lead, claiming the doubles point with wins in the Nos. 1 and 2 spots. The Utah State duo of fifth-year Sergiu Bucur and redshirt freshman Souf El Mesbahi were ahead, 4-3, in their match at No. 3, but it was left unfinished after the Lumberjacks clinched the point.
Northern Arizona extended its lead with a win at No. 6 singles, but the Aggies responded well to win the next three singles matches. El Mesbahi posted a quick straight-set win (6-3, 6-1) over Chris Steele at the No. 3 spot. Sophomore Javier Ruiz followed suit in the No. 5 spot, defeating Dominick Buzonics (7-5, 6-4). After taking his first set 6-0, sophomore Roko Savin battled to a three-set win (6-0, 4-6, 6-1) in the No. 4 spot. NAU bounced back to take the win over senior Felipe Acosta at No. 2, but a three-set victory (3-6, 6-3, 6-3) from Bucur in the No. 1 position secured the win for Utah State.
The Aggies continue their Arizona road trip tomorrow, playing at Grand Canyon at 11 a.m.
Fans can follow USU's men's tennis team on Twitter @USUMensTennis, on Facebook at UtahStateMensTennis or on Instagram at USUMensTennis. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter at @USUAthletics, on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics or on Instagram at @USU Athletics.
RESULTS
Utah State 4, Northern Arizona 3
Doubles
1. Facundo Tumosa/Alex Grovs (NAU) def. Felipe Acosta/Javier Ruiz (USU) 6-3
2. Chris Steele/Dominick Buzonics (NAU) def. Jack Ninteman/Roko Savin (USU) 6-3
3. Marcus Sulen/Eban Straker-Meads (NAU) vs. Sergiu Bucur/Souf El Mesbahi (USU) 3-4, unfinished
Singles
1. Sergiu Bucur (USU) def. Eban Straker-Meads (NAU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
2. Facundo Tumosa (NAU) def. Felipe Acosta (USU) 7-5, 3-6, 6-2
3. Souf El Mesbahi (USU) def. Chris Steele (NAU) 6-3, 6-1
4. Roko Savin (USU) def. Alex Grovs (NAU) 6-0, 4-6, 6-1
5. Javier Ruiz (USU) def. Dominick Buzonics (NAU) 7-5, 6-4
6. Marcus Sulen (NAU) def. Arvid Hjalte (USU) 6-3, 6-1
Match Notes
Utah State: 6-3
Northern Arizona: 0-4
Order of Finish: Doubles - 2, 1; Singles - 6, 3, 5, 4, 2, 1
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