PHOENIX, Ariz. – Utah State men's tennis (7-3) wrapped up its week of competition with a mid-week victory at Grand Canyon, defeating the 'Lopes, 4-3.
Grand Canyon took the first lead of the day, winning the doubles point with victories in two of the three matches. Fifth-year Sergiu Bucur and redshirt freshman Souf El Mesbahi earned the Aggies' sole doubles win, defeating Freddie Grant and Loic Van Zeggelaar, 6-3, in the No. 3 position.
Utah State responded well in singles action, taking the lead as senior Felipe Acosta defeated Mariano Argote (6-4, 6-1) at No. 2 and sophomore Roko Savin topped Jiri Novak (6-2, 6-4) at No. 4. The 'Lopes followed with wins at Nos. 6 and 5 before the Aggies tied the score at 3 as El Mesbahi posted a three-set win (6-3, 5-7, 6-2) over Justin Cvitanovic in the No. 3 position. Taking things to the wire, Bucur clinched the match with a tiebreaker victory (4-6, 7-6, 7-6) over Valentin Lang.
Utah State now has an 11-day break, then returns to Arizona to take on No. 21 Arizona State on Sunday, March 21, at 2 p.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, Grand Canyon 3
Doubles
1. Valentin Lang/Jiri Novak (GCU) def. Felipe Acosta/Javier Ruiz (USU) 6-2
2. Justin Cvitanoivc/Mariano Argote (GCU) def. Jack Ninteman/Roko Savin (USU) 7-5
3. Sergiu Bucur/Souf El Mesbahi (USU) def. Freddie Grant/Loic Van Zeggelaar (GCU) 6-3
Singles
1. Sergiu Bucur (USU) def. Valentin Lang (GCU) 4-6, 7-6, 7-6
2. Felipe Acosta (USU) def. Mariano Argote (GCU) 6-4, 6-1
3. Souf El Mesbahi (USU) def. Justin Cvitanovic (GCU) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2
4. Roko Savin (USU) def. Jiri Novak (GCU) 6-1, 6-4
5. Jonathan Da Silva (GCU) def. Javier Ruiz (USU) 6-2, 2-6, 6-2
6. Freddie Grant (GCU) def. Arvid Hjalte (USU) 7-5, 6-3
Match Notes
Utah State: 7-3
Grand Canyon: 1-9
Order of Finish: Doubles - 1, 3, 2; Singles - 2, 4, 6, 5, 3, 1
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