The Georgia Gwinnett College men's tennis team added North Carolina A&T University to its list of NCAA Division I victims while also defeating NAIA's No. 9-ranked Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.) during Wednesday's action in the Grizzly Spring Break Invitational at the GGC Tennis Facility.
The NAIA's top-ranked Grizzlies' 9-0 victory over North Carolina A&T was the eighth victory over a Division I opponent across the past three seasons. Then, GGC (17-0) lost a point for the first time this spring in defeating Cardinal Stritch 8-1.
In the nightcap, Georgia Gwinnett College got victories at No. 1 and 2 doubles. The duo of junior Rafael Coutinho and sophomore Federico Herrera Duran won all eight games on the No. 1 court. Senior Gilad Berman and freshman Valentino Caratini picked up an 8-4 triumph at No. 2 doubles.
Cardinal Stritch's lone point came in an 8-5 win at No. 3 doubles.
However, the Grizzlies swept all six singles matches, winning five in straight sets. Coutinho gave the hosts a 3-1 advantage with a 6-0, 6-2 victory on the No. 3 singles court. Herrera Duran won by identical 6-1 set scores on the No. 4 court. Then, Berman secured the victory with a 6-4, 6-4 win at No. 1 singles.
"Rafael is a talented player and we have a good combination in doubles," said Herrera Duran.
Junior Ayed Zatar won a third-set tiebreaker 10-6 to win his singles match on the No. 2 court. He won six of seven games during the second set to force the deciding tiebreaker.
Sophomore Mika Kosonen registered a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 6 singles before freshman Serge Becerra rounded out the victors at No. 4 singles by winning 12 of 14 games.
In Wednesday's morning match, the Grizzlies won 24 of 27 games in doubles and had straight-set victories in all six singles matches against North Carolina A&T.
Head Coach Chase Hodges earned his 200th coaching victory during Wednesday's action. He has guided the program to seven combined NAIA national championships in four seasons of postseason eligibility.
"When you start a program, it is like having a child. You have an attachment and affection to it. I love being at GGC. Our teams have loyal support for each other," said Hodges. "We have a group that will battle for one another. The guys are willing to go the extra mile on and off the court."
Up Next
The Grizzly Spring Break Invitational continues Friday, March 9, at 4 p.m. when Georgia Gwinnett College faces Indiana Wesleyan University at the GGC Tennis Facility.
