A return trip to Tiffin went much like the last time for the Lake Superior State Lakers, as they were defeated by the Dragons by a score of 8-1. The Dragons picked up where they left off in previous meetings with a 2-1 lead leaving doubles with the lone loss of the match coming at 2nd doubles. The duo lost 8-6 in a nail biter, but that didn't stop the team from dominating singles play with solid wins all around.
1st Singles
TU - Luis Ludena vs. LSSU - Mateusz Izycki
A shaky start for the Dragons at one singles proved to be no trouble as TU's Luis Ludena dispatched LSSU's Mateusz Izycki 6-4, 7-5 picking up where teammate Kyle Johnson had left off last meeting. Ludena started off shaky being broken early, only to respond and never give up while constantly battling a foot injury that plagued him most of the match.
2nd Singles
TU - Elio Lezama Perez vs. LSSU - Grant Link
Elio Lezama Perez has a tendency of getting out ahead of his opponents early and the match against LSSU's Grant Link was no exception. Lezama had big leads in both the first and second set only to relinquish both leads late in the sets. Lezama was up 4-1 in the second before allowing the match to get close. Lezama was able to turn it on late for a 6-4, 7-5 victory.
3rd Singles
TU- Pierre Frery vs. LSSU - Ieuan Lister
Frery was able to take down LSSU's Ieuan Lister quickly and efficiently, taking very little time to win a 6-1, 6-3 decision that wasn't close the entire match. Frery was able to dictate play early and often, not allowing Lister much room to decide what to do with each shot.
4th Singles
TU - Agustin Mangone vs. LSSU - Hunter Koster
Mangone, who dominated last year at number 4 singles, was playing 5 singles most of the year until the depature of senior Kyle Johnson. Mangone took the call to step up to number 4 singles and won 6-1, 6-4 against LSSU's Hunter Koster.
5th Singles
TU - Nicholas Almeida vs. LSSU - TJ Myers
Almeida looked comfortable against LSSU's TJ Myers, not letting the Laker get any ground during the match while keeping his cool in a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Almeida played up to his standards and was a key to the Dragons' victory.
6th Singles
TU - Victor Fernandes vs. LSSU - Luke Ogren
When one man has to step out, another must fill his shoes and that is just what Victor Fernandes did. With the absence of Kyle Johnson for the rest of the year, the team knew they had to take a next man up mentality and with this match they certainly did that. Victor Fernandes stepped up when his name was called, giving the Dragons a convincing 6-0, 6-0 victory.
1st Doubles
TU- Frery/ Lezama Perez vs LSSU- Link / Lister
TU won another close match against LSSU at 1st doubles by a score of 8-6. A match that was dictated by serves was finally broken in the middle of the set when the Dragons were able to get the lone break of the match. Serve returns were key for both teams with the Dragons being able to capitalize on the second serves of their opponents to secure the match.
2nd Doubles
TU - Fruits/ Ludena vs. LSSU Izycki / Koster
In the lone defeat for the Dragons both teams played extremely well with a comeback falling just short for the first time duo at 2nd Doubles. The Dragons were down 4-7 and came back after a clutch break and hold only to fall to LSSU 6-8. Both teams were incredibly well versed at the net with a few unfortunate breaks going against the Dragons to secure the match for LSSU.
3rd Doubles
TU- Mangone / Fernandes vs. LSSU - Myers/ Tuchowski
In a match that snowballed very quickly the Dragons won a landslide 8-0 victory over LSSU. Mangone and Fernandes were able to dispatch the Lakers for a quick win that helped propel the team towards their inevitable team victory over the Lakers.
