Middle Tennessee State (16-7) men’s tennis swept Chicago State (1-12) 7-0 on Monday, without Karim Al Amin and Ondrej Horak.
Al-Amin and Horak were not active for the Blue Raiders today, resting against a short-handed Chicago State team. Chicago State fielded five players for the competition, so only two of the three doubles games and five of the singles games were played.
The one less game wasn’t a problem as the Blue Raiders’ duos of Birtan Duran and Antoine Mayoral, and Eric Crivei and Jonaz Dziopak swept both games 6-0, earning the first point for the Blue Raiders.
Singles weren’t much different, as the Blue Raiders swept four of five singles matches. The only court to go to a third set was court two between Mayoral and Joao Teixeria, but Mayoral came out on top, winning (6-1, 3-6, 1-0 (10-4))
“I’m really happy that we finished business today,” Duran said. “I thought we finished pretty strong on every court. I’m really happy about today’s win and hopefully it can affect us positively for the next match.”
The win also highlighted major improvements within the team. The doubles’ chemistry has improved since the fall, and players not playing were vocal in support of their teammates, something that head coach Jimmy Borendame has been working on throughout the season.
“Ondrej and Karim have been doing a great job integrating them in, and we spend a lot of time together,” Boredame said. “We haven’t been on the road much, and road trips are great chances to bond, but credit to the captains for getting these guys going.”
The Blue Raiders return to action in Ithaca, New York, on Sunday at 10 a.m. CDT to face Cornell University (10-2).
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