BOCA RATON, Fla.- The fourth-ranked Lynn University men's tennis team picked up its first win of the season on Monday night, 8-1, over St. Thomas. The Fighting Knights were led by senior Vlad Cirla who ranks 17th in singles. With only two starters from last season's squad in the lineup, the Fighting Knights certainly impressed the home crowd at the Perper Tennis Complex.
Cirla teamed with newcomer Roman Turtygin to defeated Nicolas Etienne and Joshua Rosner, 8-1, to give Lynn a 1-0 lead. Senior Alessio Iannozzi partnered with Tomas Porkop in the third slot for a 8-4 win over Arturo Romero and Matias. Transfer Danny Riggs and freshman Paolo Volpocelli took home a 8-4 win as the top duo for Lynn heading into singles play ahead, 3-0.
In singles action Riggs extended the Blue & White's lead to 4-0 with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Ordonez. Cirla defeated Etienne in the top singles spot, 6-1,6-4 to secure the squad's season opening victory. Iannozzi beat Romero, 8-2, before Volpocelli blanked Rosner, 8-0. After losing his opening set, 4-6, Porkop forced a deciding set when he won 6-4. In the tiebreaker he fell, 10-4, to STU's Bravo making the score 7-1. Giulio Gomba closed out
the match with an 8-3 win over Dasso.
This is the third consecutive season opener win against St. Thomas for the men's program and sixth-straight season beginning with a 1-0 record. Head coach Mike Perez is just seven victories away from his 400th career win at the helm of the program in his 25th season.
Lynn will host Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, February 9, in a 12 pm match. Fans can follow the men's tennis team all season long at LynnFightingKnights.com Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook and follow @LUKnights on Twitter, Instagram and Vine.
