Junior Chris Humphreys clinched Elon University men’s tennis team’s fourth straight victory as the Phoenix knocked off Virginia Commonwealth University 4-3 Sunday at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.
Humphreys fought back in the second set to earn the 6-3, 7-6 straight-sets win over freshman Arvid Noren.
Humphreys was quick to recall coming up short in crucial singles and doubles matches in the final of last season’s Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) final and said he wanted to make sure he wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
“I remember how I was so tight in those moments and I told myself I don’t ever want to forget that feeling,” he said. “This time when I had my chances to do something special I was going to play to win and be aggressive the whole time.”
VCU grabbed an early 1-0 lead by taking the doubles point. Humphreys and junior Petar Tomic did win at No. 2 doubles, but Elon lost at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles.
“We still struggle a little bit in doubles because we’re so young and in doubles it can kind of show a little bit more than in singles,” said head coach Michael Leonard. “We’re still trying to find our way there.”
Freshman Felipe Sarrasague tied the match at one apiece with a convincing 6-0, 6-3 straight-sets victory at No. 2 singles.
“When he gets on, he’s like a bulldog,” Leonard said. “He’s fiery and loud, and we kind of feed off him a lot."
Freshman Charlie Sullivan earned a straight-sets victory of his own just minutes later, with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win at No. 6 singles. Freshman Mario Paccini pulled Elon to within a point of victory with a 6-3, 6-4 straight-sets victory at No. 1 singles.
VCU tied the match again at No. 3 singles over Lindgren, who lost in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 before Humphreys sealed the victory for the Phoenix.
Elon will return to action Mar. 2 with a road contest against North Carolina A&T State University at 3 p.m.