KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt men’s tennis team ended its run in the USTA/ITA Ohio Valley Regionals, falling in Saturday’s main draw singles action.
After taking first sets victories, junior Ryan Smith and sophomore Daniel Valent were both defeated in three competitive sets in the tournament round of 16.
Facing Tennessee Tech’s Eduardo Mena, Smith bolstered an early lead, taking the first set in a tiebreaker. But the Golden Eagle fought back in the second and third sets, defeating the Commodore in back-to-back sets of 6-4.
Following an early 6-1 first set victory, Valent was forced to fight hard throughout the second set. But ultimately dropped his first set of regionals to Louisville’s ninth-seeded Alex Gornet; 7-5. The round of 16 three set thriller proved too close for comfort for the Commodore, as Gornet sealed the victory with another 7-5 victory.
In singles consolation rounds Rhys Johnson picked up his second win in a 6-3, 2-6, (5) win over Butler’s Khimindashvili. The junior make it to back draw semifinals before withdrawing.
Vanderbilt heads back out on the road next weekend, as the ‘Dores compete in Auburn, Ala. at the annual SEC Fall Classic.
