WEBSTER GROVES, MO – The Principia Men's Tennis team played two recent matches during their non-traditional fall season as they prepare for the annual ITA Regional Tournament at the end of September.
Last Friday, the team traveled to Fulton, MO to take on the reserve team of William Woods University in an exhibition match. The Panthers came away victorious 5-4 in a tight contest. In his first taste of collegiate action, freshman
Ignacio Zamora got impressive wins in both singles and doubles. Sophomore
Álvaro Martín Moliz had the strongest singles win in straight sets over a formidable opponent. He maintained great poise and focus besting his opponent some lengthy rallies.
The team came away with a positive mindset from the exhibition win and prepared all week to take on Anderson University (IN) in their first regular match of the season. The match was held at the Webster Groves Tennis Center in St. Louis on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers have been pleased to watch sophomore
Jesús Soto Bossa return to competition after many months of rehab, recovery, and training following an injury last spring. Bossa grinded out a singles win at #2 despite a slow start to the match. Down 5-2 in the first set and about to lose, he flipped his mindset and started to discover his personal power which transformed him into a different player. He began winning numerous points in a row until he forced a tiebreak, and then carried the momentum to a straight set win.
Having only played together a couple weeks before competing, Zamora and senior
Rafter Sprague teamed up at #2 doubles to defeat a strong Anderson pair 8-3. Zamora's net play and strength from the baseline coupled with Sprague's improved service returns and commanding backhand cross court shot created a barrage of offensive control in the match that allowed multiple service breaks. The pair worked well together as they moved in sync and closed out points with authority. This could be a dynamic duo come spring season!
Special shout out to junior Everett Poznick for playing with a ton of heart at #6 singles. After winning a close first set, he battled through pain almost to the point of having to withdraw from the match. Showing respect to his opponent and to his teammates who were still battling themselves, Poznick pushed through the pain and frustration to conclude his match in a loss.
Despite the 6-3 loss to a solid Anderson squad, the Panthers took the positives and remain committed to improving and turning potential into performance. Anderson's head coach had high praise for the Panthers after the match commending their competitive spirit, sportsmanship, and clear unity among each other.
Up Next: Sophomores Jesús Soto Bossa and Ernesto Botero will travel to Kalamazoo College in Michigan to compete in both singles and doubles at the ITA Regional Tournament on September 28-30.
