Feb. 5, 2014
GGC 9, Dalton State 0
The fifth-ranked Georgia Gwinnett men’s tennis team raced its way to a 9-0 sweep of Dalton State College on Wednesday afternoon in the team’s season-opening match at a breezy GGC Tennis Facility in Lawrenceville.
The Grizzlies took all three doubles matches by an 8-1 score and clinched all singles action in straight sets.
Three players made their GGC debuts in sophomore Mark Verryth, sophomore Matias Hatem and freshman Connor Clements, while senior Bruno Tiberti made his first appearance in team competition.
“Despite some difficult conditions out there, our team stayed focused and positive and I’m proud of them,” said GGC head coach Chase Hodges. “To have four guys playing their first-ever team match for us, it was impressive to see all the talent finally on the courts at the same time.”
Verryth teamed with returning sophomore Erik Moberg at first doubles as the Grizzlies took an early 3-0 advantage with a trio of 8-1 wins.
In singles action, GGC continued its strong play and needed just two sets in each match to complete the sweep.
Playing number one singles, Verryth earned a 6-0, 6-1 win over the Roadrunners’ David Draghicheanu.
Tiberti posted a 6-1, 6-3 victory at second singles over Nikolay Nikiforov while Hatem and Moberg dropped just three total games apiece in securing wins on the third and fourth lines, respectively.
Clements pulled out a 7-6, 6-1 win while returning sophomore Tony Kostadinov added a 6-1, 6-0 win as GGC dropped Dalton State to 2-1.
The Grizzlies continue a busy opening week with a pair of weekend matches. GGC visits 21st-ranked NCAA Division II USC Aiken on Saturday before returning home for a 2 p.m. Sunday meeting with Division I South Carolina State.
