CLARKSVILLE - Austin Peay State University men's tennis team used a dominating singles performance to nab its second win of the season, defeating Carson-Newman, 6-1, Saturday, at the Governors Tennis Center.
The Governors (2-5) received a massive boost with Christian Edison returning after missing the previous four matches with an injury.
At doubles, Edison got off to a great start in his return, teaming with Chad Woodham for a 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles. However, the Eagles (1-4) battled back, winning at No. 2 doubles, meaning No. 1 doubles would decide the doubles point. Almantas Ozelis and Anton Damberg got a crucial break and held on to clinch the point, also winning 6-4 as the Govs gained all the momentum.
Edison slotted back into the No. 3 singles position and did not miss a beat, overwhelming his opponent, 6-1, 6-1 to give the Govs a 2-0 lead. Not long after, Ozelis won his third straight singles match, this time in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2, to put the Govs on the brink of victory.
The Eagles did not go away peacefully, as they struck back at No. 2 singles to cut the lead to 3-1 for APSU. However, down a set at No. 4 singles to Damberg, the Eagles had no response for the Swede's brilliant second set. Damberg rolled, 7-5, 6-2, to claim the match for the Govs.
Jacob Lorino and Hunter Sanders also picked up straight-set wins at No. 5 and No. 6 singles, respectively, as the Govs cruised to a 6-1 win. Ozelis, Damberg, and Sanders have won three singles matches in a row while the No. 1 doubles pairing of Ozelis and Damberg are also on a two-match win streak.
The Govs have a quick turnaround, traveling to Louisville for a 6 p.m. match, Sunday.
Results: Austin Peay 6, Carson-Newman 1
Doubles
1. Almantas Ozelis/Anton Damberg (APSU) def. Gabriel Dabdab/Jesus Bacete (C-N) 6-4
2. Rintaro Oka/Hernan Toledo (C-N) def. Jacob Lorino/Timo Kiesslich (APSU) 6-4
3. Christian Edison/Chad Woodham (APSU) def. Marc Bantel/Victor Ireno (C-N) 6-4
Singles
1. Almantas Ozelis (APSU) def. Gabriel Dabdab (C-N) 6-0, 6-2
2. Rintaro Oka (C-N) def. Timo Kiesslich (APSU) 6-2, 6-4
3. Christian Edison (APSU) def. Hernan Toledo (C-N) 6-1, 6-1
4. Anton Damberg (APSU) def. Marc Bantel (C-N) 7-5, 6-2
5. Jacob Lorino (APSU) def. Jesus Bacete (C-N) 6-2, 6-3
6. Hunter Sanders (APSU) def. Joseph Stiles (C-N) 7-6, 6-2
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (3,1,2,4,5,6)
