Men's tennis team has big day at national tournament

The Eastern Florida State College men's tennis team had a big day Tuesday at the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament in Tucson, Arizona.

The Titans won five of the six singles matches and both doubles matches at the tournament.

The No. 1 doubles team of Adriel Azucey and Frederik Oervad defeated No. 1 seed from ABAC, 7-6(6), 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals.

"We played really well and fought and just didn't let them intimidate us. We earned it and proved we can accomplish great things, but we have more work to do," Azucey said.

The No. 2 doubles team of Nils Michel and Nicholas Mora wrapped up the long day of tennis with a three-set victory over New Mexico Military, losing the first set 7-6 before bouncing back to win 6-4 and 6-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Oervad started the day with a straight set win at No. 1 singles, beating Lake County's Mike Sims 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals where he will play No. 4 seed Kyrylo Kryuchun from Mesa on Wednesday.

Michel also picked up a straight set win at No. 2 singles, defeating Barton's Oswaldo Cano 6-1, 6-3 to advance to Wednesday's quarterfinals against ABAC's Cristobal Quevedo.

At No. 3 singles, Azucey defeated New Mexico Military's Martins Abamu 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals and will face Cowley's Nicolas Mougaillard on Wednesday.

Sebastian Bunster picked up a straight set win against Collin's Juan Carlos Garrido at No. 5 singles, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 6-0, 6-1 win. Bunster will play No. 3 seed Mesa's Jorge Sala Frigeri on Wednesday.

Mora advanced to the quarterfinals at No. 6 singles, defeating Lake County's Gurnoor Virdi 6-1, 6-0 and will play No. 5 seed Rodrigo Mere of Laredo on Wednesday.

"The boys were focused, loose and confident today and represented the Titans well," Eastern Florida State College assistant coach Brandon Stokes said. "The boys are excited for the opportunity to play in the quarterfinals and are looking to take the program another step forward."

It is the first time the Titans have had seven teams in the quarterfinals.