ATLANTA – ∫The Vanderbilt men’s tennis team represented the university in two separate tournaments Friday afternoon. Competing in the consolation draw of ITA All-Americans, Daniel Valent dropped a tough three-set match In Tulsa. The remainder of squad began play in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech Invitational.
Facing USC’s Brandon Holt in the first round of the consolation draw, Valent took the first set in a decisive 6-3 victory. Earning a spot in the tournament’s main draw by battling through qualifying rounds, the Trojan battled back in the second set, 7-5, to force a pivotal third set. The Commodore was unable to capture the victory, as Holt secured the back draw win to advance, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
While Valent took on Holt in consolation play, six members of the Commodore team took the court in the Georgia Tech Invitational.
With each student-athlete competing in one singles and doubles match, the Vandy freshmen were able to get a taste of what it takes physically and emotionally throughout the dual match season.
The Commodores went 4-2 on the afternoon in singles play. No. 60 Cameron Klinger and Billy Rowe came out on the winning side of two three set battles against in-state rival Tennessee. Freshman Panu Virtanen challenged Auburn’s 62nd-ranked Max Hinnisdales, nearly taking the first set over the ranked player, but falling 7-5, 6-3.
In doubles, two Vandy teams lost in tough 8-5, 8-4 battles. However the sophomore duo of Vikram Chari and Alex Ross were able to pull out a close 8-6 win over Miami’s Dunlap/Genovese.
The GT Invitational will continue Saturday morning with doubles at 8:00 am and singles following around 9:00 am CT.
Singles competition
Div. I – 10/7
16 #60 Cameron Klinger (VU) def. Srdjan Jakovljevic (Tennessee) 3-6, 7-5, 6-4
6 #62 Max Hinnisdaels (Auburn) def. Panu Virtanen (Vanderbilt) 7-5, 6-3
Div II – 10/7
16 Billy Rowe (Vanderbilt) def. Scott Jones (Tennessee) 6-3, 1-6, 6-4
Div. III – 10/7
16 Tate Allwardt (Vanderbilt) def. Niclas Genovese (Miami) 6-3, 6-2
16 Alex Ross (Vanderbilt) def. Jake Munns (Furman) 6-2, 7-5
16 Nile Clark (Miami) def. Vikram Chari (Vanderbilt) 6-4, 6-1
Doubles competition
Div. 1 – 10/7
Q Thomas Mayronne/Andrew Schafer (SC) def. Cameron Klinger/Billy Rowe (VU) 8-5
Div. 2 – 10/7
Q Cole Fiegel/Phillip Gresk (GT) def. Tate Allwardt/Panu Virtanen (Vanderbilt) 8-4
Div. 3 – 10/7
Q Vikram Chari/Alex Ross (VU) def. Dane Dunlap/Niclas Genovese (Miami) 8-6
