Temple University Athletics
Owls Drop Two Matches At VCU 4x1 Invitational
1.17.09 | Men's Tennis
Jan. 17, 2009
VCU Box Score | Navy Box Score
RICHMOND, VA - Temple dropped matches to a pair of talented teams - #32 Virginia Commonwealth and two-time Patriot League champ Navy - at the VCU 4x1 Invitational on Saturday. VCU continued its dominance at its season-opening tourney, having not dropped a single set coming in, and beat the Owls 4-0 in the team's 11 AM match. Navy downed the Cherry and White, 3-1, at 5 PM.
Against VCU (3-0), freshman Dmitry Vizhunov was the only Owl to win a set, falling to Thibaut Charron, 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 at second singles. Senior Eduardo Saavedra and freshman Filip Rams were involved in a tight doubles match with Charron and Bobo Delemark, leading 7-6, 4-5, but the match was stopped once the team competition had been decided.
The Owls (1-2) had more success against the Midshipmen (1-0), but could not overcome the two-time league champs. Senior Nathan Spunda was the only Temple player to record a victory, beating Jason Hill, 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 at third singles.
Freshman Mansur Gishkaev took Owen Bullard to three sets at fourth singles before falling, 7-5, 1-6, 6-4. Rams' match with Johnny Waters was tied at 6-7, 7-5, 3-1 before being stopped. It was the first meeting with Navy in 18 years.
The Cherry and White will complete its trip to Virginia by visiting #64 William and Mary at 9 AM on Sunday.
