LEXINGTON, Ky. – On the first day of competition at the ITA Southeast Regional, the Vanderbilt men’s tennis team advanced three players through the first round of competition on Thursday.
“Overall I thought it took the guys a little while to get used to the court and playing indoors for the first time this year, but once they adjusted, I thought they played well,” assistant coach Tom Boysen said.
Earning victories for the Commodores were Evan Dufaux, Scott Lieberman and Vijay Paul.
Dufaux topped Dani Stamp of Stetson, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. He will face Georgia State’s Nejc Podkrajsek at 8 a.m. on Friday. Podkrajsek had a bye in the first round.
Lieberman earned a straight set victory over Morehead State’s Charles Williams, 6-4, 6-2. Lieberman will face Florida A&M’s Aritiom Podgainii in the second round on Friday at 7 a.m.
While all of his teammates played earlier matches, Paul had to wait until 5 p.m. to play his match. Paul didn’t let the wait deter his play as he dispatched Middle Tennessee State’s Alex McCann, 6-1, 6-1.
“Vijay played exceptionally well,” Boysen said. “He had to wait around the court for 10 hours before his match, but he didn’t show any fatigue at all. He dictated the match from the start.”
Losing first round matches for the Commodores on Thursday were freshmen Adam Baker, Bryant Salcedo and Alex Zotov. Each player will begin play in the consolation bracket on Friday.
Also beginning competition on Friday will be senior Ryan Preston and junior Nick Cromydas, who each qualified for the main draw due to their seeding.
Vanderbilt will also have four doubles teams open play on Friday.
Round 1 Results
Scott Lieberman (Vanderbilt) def. Charles Williams (Morehead State), 6-3, 6-2
Evan Dufaux (Vanderbilt) def. Danai Stamp (Stetson) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
Vijay Paul (Vanderbilt) def. Alex McCann (Middle Tennessee State), 6-1, 6-1
John Peers (Middle Tennessee State) def. Bryant Salcedo (Vanderbilt), 6-3, 6-0
Phillippe Kricka (Stetson) def. Alex Zotov (Vanderbilt), 6-4, 6-2
Chris Swanteson (Stetson) def. Adam Baker (Vanderbilt), 7-6(5), 7-6(6)
