Temple University Athletics
Men's Tennis Opens Spring Season With 4-1 Win Over James Madison
1.16.09 | Men's Tennis
Jan. 16, 2009
RICHMOND, VA - The Temple men's tennis team opened its 2009 campaign with a decisive 4-1 victory over CAA foe James Madison on Friday afternoon on the first day of competition at the VCU 4x1 Invitational. JMU had defeated the Owls by a 3-0 score at last year's season-opening invite.
"It's a great way to start the season," head coach Steve Mauro said. "We've been working extremely hard to prepare for this tournament. It was a good win over a very tough opponent."
Playing a trio of freshmen in the four singles spots, Temple came out victorious in both three-set matches on Friday. Freshman Filip Rams improved to 10-3 this season with a 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 victory over Mike Smith at second singles. Senior Nathan Spunda won in straight sets, 6-0, 6-4 at third singles.
Freshman Mansur Gishkaev, after not playing a match this fall, won at fourth singles over Brian Rubenstein, 0-6, 7-6, 6-3.
In doubles, seniors Ricardo Velazquez and Eduardo Saavedra beat Matt King and Ville Maaranen, 6-3, 6-4.
Temple will take on the nation's 32nd best team and the tournament's host, VCU, at 11 AM on Saturday. At 5 PM, the Owls will meet Patriot League champion Navy in the invitational's final match.
