Royals Open Fall Season with Success at King University Invitational

King Invitational Men

 

The Royals men's tennis team competed this weekend at the King University Invitational, playing singles and doubles against players from three different schools. The Royals started the day very strong, winning 5 of 7 doubles matches before winning 3 singles matches later in the day. 

The Royals started off the day strong winning all three singles against their opponents from Ferrum College. The first win of the day was put up by the tandem of sophomores, Gabor Szabo and Levi Lubbers who were victorious 6-2. They were quickly followed up by Juniors Miguel Sanchez Loo and Benjamin Barrios winning 6-3. The final sweep was completed by freshman Lennart Kleeberg and sophomore Mane Casco winning at the number one position 7-5. In the second round of doubles, the Royals stepped up again taking two of the top three spots from Carson Newman University. Barrios and Sanchez Loo took down the number three spot by a score of 6-2 while Casco and Kleeberg won at the top spot 6-3. 

 

In singles, the Royals continued to see success against opponents from Bluefield State University and Carson Newman. Kleeberg started off right where he left off in doubles, taking the first set 6-1 before closing it out in a competitive second set 6-3. On the next court, Sanchez Loo was able to outlast his opponent by a score of 6-3, 6-2. Barrios scored the final win of the day for the Royals, rolling in the first set 6-1 and taking the second set 6-4. 

 

Coach's Take: Coach Hale had this to say after the match, "Starting out with such a strong start in doubles was really exciting to see and set the tone for the day. We were really resilient and took control of the matches when we had opportunities. The leaders on this team have been pushing them all summer and we've had a tough first few weeks of practice. I think some things are really clicking for some of our players and we're looking forward to continuing that growth for the rest of the spring!" 

 

Up Next: The Royals are back in action this upcoming weekend at the UT Southern Firehawk Shootout.