The Bellarmine men's tennis team battled back from a 2-1 deficit to finish their year on a wiining note as they slipped past the host Centre College Colonels 5-4 in a dual match held Tuesday in Danville.
After
Anton Rabinov and
Alex Chanley won 8-4 at number one doubles, the Colonels took both the other doubles matches to take a 2-1 lead heading into singles.
Rabinov again led the way for the Knights as he picked up his 40th win of the year (combined singles and doubles) by winning at the No. 1 slot in straight sets.
Bryan Skaggs, playing in the number six spot, made quick work of his opponent with a 6-0, 6-1 win, whic put the Knights up 3-2.
After Chanley and
Carlos Antonioli lost in hard fought matches at Nos. 3 and 4, the Knights found themselves down 4 to 3. Freshman
Jimmy Fernandez came through with a win in a third set super tie break 10-6 which left it up to
Jacob Knagenhjelm to provide the clinching point at two singles. Jacob came through with a clutch performance and a 6-3, 6-1 win giving the Knights the victory.
"The guys fought through a lot of adversary this year but I am totally proud of the way they competed in each and every match this season and the way they represented Bellarmine University," said Bellarmine Coach
John Mican, who added that with virtually the entire team coming back next year and the addition of a couple solid new players the Knights will look for brighter days next season.
BELLARMINE 5, CENTRE 4
Doubles:
1.
Anton Rabinov &
Alex Chanley (BU) def Ben Newstadt & Lucas Kelly (CC) 8-4
2. Trey Williamson & Xan Witherngton (CC) def
Jacob Knagenhjelm &
Bryan Skaggs (BU) 8-3
3. Woody Rini & Parker Lawson (CC) def
Chris Cotton & Jomathon Staff (BU) 8-2
Singles:
1.
Anton Rabinov (BU) def Ben Newstadt (CC) 6-4, 6-0
2.
Jacob Knagenhjelm (BU) def Xan Witherngton (CC) 6-3, 6-1
3.
Jimmy Fernandez (BU) def Trey Williamson (CC) 6-4, 3-6, 10-6
4. Trey Williamson (CC) def
Carlos Antonioli (BU) 4-6, 6-1, 10-6
5. Lucas Kelley (CC) def
Alex Chanley (BU) 6-4, 6-3
6.
Bryan Skaggs (BU) def Garrett Daniels (CC) 6-0, 6-1
