The Elon University men’s tennis team had a rough road trip to Wlimington, N.C., being shut out in consecutive matches against the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and East Tennessee State University.
On Monday, Feb. 24, the Phoenix was brushed aside by UNC Wilmington, losing 7-0. Elon struggled out of the gate, dropping its first two doubles matches and falling behind 1-0. Senior Pedro Mol and junior Kaue Periera defeated Elon sophomore Robert Lindgren and junior Brian Kowalski at No. 2 doubles 8-5. Elon juniors Stefan Fortmann and Juan Madrid lost at No. 3 doubles to give the doubles point to the Seahawks.
The Phoenix did not fare much better in singles action. Senior Cameron Silverman lost in straight sets to senior Rafael Aita 6-2, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. Elon fell behind 3-0 when junior Jordan Kaufman lost at No. 5 singles 6-2, 6-4. Elon’s defeat was sealed when Lindgren was soundly defeated at No. 2 singles by Sam Williams 6-3, 6-1.
Fortmann and Kowalski were the only players to win sets in an Elon uniform, but neither player was able to win their match.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, the Phoenix was swept by East Tennessee State. Elon’s only win of the day came at No. 3 doubles as Madrid and Kaufman defeated sophomore Ricardo Pabon and freshman Conner Huertas 8-7.
Silverman and Fortmann were defeated at No. 1 doubles, while the pairing of Kowalski and Lindgren lost at No. 2 doubles, sealing the doubles point for the Buccaneers.
Elon’s struggles continued into the singles portion of the match. Freshman David Biosca defeated Silverman in straight sets 6-1, 6-4 at No. 1 singles. Madrid also lost in straight sets at No. 6 singles, falling to senior Roger Ordeig 6-0, 6-2. Fortmann’s loss in straight sets at No. 3 singles sealed defeat for the Phoenix.
Elon will face Brown University at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Piedmont Indoor Tennis Center in Greensboro before starting a four-game homestand.