March 6, 2012
Final Stats
Jersey City, N.J. -
Even though it's still chilly outside, the Fordham University men's tennis squad remained hot in spring play, winning its fourth straight match with a 5-2 decision over Saint Peter's College at the Yanitelli Center Bubble. With the win, the Rams move to 11-2 on the year.
The Rams opened play a bit sluggish in doubles competition, taking the doubles point thanks to the Peacocks defaulting at the third spot. Kuba Kowalski and Mischa Koran teamed up to win at first doubles over Charlie Carrera and Alex Couthino, 8-4, before Max Peara and Michael Puntillo dropped the second position to Saint Peter's Fabian Valdiviezo and Nicholas de Lima, 8-4. But the Rams picked up the point when J.J. Tauil and Peder Gram won at the third doubles by default.
In singles play, the Rams opened competition by winning the sixth position by default to take a 2-0 lead. Kowalski made it 3-0 for the Rams with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Alex Frakes at first singles and Puntillo clinched the win for Fordham with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Nicholas at the fifth spot.
Koran kept the Rams in the win column, taking second single from Carrera, 6-1, 6-2, but Fordham dropped the final two singles matches for the 5-2 final.
"We came out very flat in doubles and got broke the first four times we served," said Fordham head coach Cory Hubbard. "I was very disappointed because I take pride in how our team competes and plays with energy. The good news is we were able to recover, but it's not the message or the reputation I want this team to have. This was the first time all season it has happened. I think partly because we have been missing a lot of guys this week in practice because we have all been sick, but still that's no excuse. The start in singles was much more indicative of our energy, as we came out and got breaks on four courts right away. We carried that into three easy wins, and we already were up 2-0 because they had to default at six due to injuries. I thought Kuba and Mischa set the tone in singles and Mike did a great job at five."
The Rams will next be in action on Friday afternoon, March 9th, as they venture into Queens to face St. John's University at the USTA National Tennis Center at 12:00 p.m.
"This match sets up a huge match this Friday with St Johns, who just got into the national rankings," said Hubbard. "I hope we can get healthy and come out ready to battle because it will be a very tough test, but another opportunity to get the program's first ranked upset after coming close earlier this season against Cornell."
