ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - The No. 21 Lander University men's tennis team put up a resilient fight Monday afternoon but fell 6-1 to No. 3 Flagler College at the Pollard Tennis Center.
Lander (10-3, 2-1 PBC) showed its competitiveness against one of the nation's top programs, pushing multiple singles matches to three sets despite the final scoreline. The Bearcats' lone point came from No. 27 nationally ranked Harry Pugh, who delivered an impressive comeback victory over No. 33 Aniss Rafiq at the top singles position.
The Bearcats opened the match with a strong showing in doubles play, earning a win at the No. 1 position as nationally ranked No. 9 duo of
Brendan Jayaprakash and Pugh teamed up for a 6-4 victory. The Saints responded, however, claiming wins at No. 3 and No. 2 doubles to secure the early 1-0 lead.
In singles, the Bearcats showed their competitiveness against one of the nation's top programs, pushing multiple matches to three sets. The highlight came at the top of the lineup. After dropping the opening set in a tiebreak, Pugh rallied for a 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-2 victory to account for Lander's lone point of the contest.
Lander continued to challenge throughout the lineup. Julian Peter pushed No. 13 Simon Malis to three sets before falling 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 at No. 3 singles, while Brendan Jayaprakash forced a deciding set at No. 6 before dropping a 6-2, 0-6, 3-6 contest to No. 34 Aly El Rafie.
At No. 2 singles, Anton Krondell battled No. 10 Ilian Borlee to a tight second-set tiebreak but ultimately fell 4-6, 6-7 (2-7).
Lander returns to action on Friday, April 3, traveling to face No. 12 North Georgia. First serve is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Dahlonega, Ga.
