STAMFORD, Conn. - The Fairfield University men's tennis team avenged their 2010 loss to Stony Brook in good fashion Friday night at Stamford Indoor Tennis Club. The Stags topped the Seawolves 4-3 in a match that lasted approximately six hours.
In singles play, Dan Sauter defeated Stony Brook's Fomin, 7-6(3), 6-4 at No. 1 singles. Joe Michalisin took care of Rummel at No. 2 singles, 6-4, 6-1. At third singles, freshman Dennis Zlobinsky was topped by Kallaheimo 6-3, 7-5. Erik Kremheller defeated Sztabholz 6-4, 6-4 at No. 4 singles. Bjorn Merinder fell to Schmitz 6-1, 6-0 at fifth singles, while Reece Breault was topped by Arciuli 7-6(3), 6-2.
The match was tied 3-3 going into exciting doubles play that did not begin until 12:30 a.m.. Michalisin and Erik Kremheller set the tone at No. 1 doubles as they defeated Stony Brook's duo of Rummel and Fomin, 9-7. Merinder and Sauter played an incredibly strong match, but fell to Schmitz and Arciuli 9-8(4) at No. 3 doubles.
The fate of the dual match rested upon the play of Stag duo Zlobinsky and Breault at No. 2 doubles. The freshmen exemplified just how much impact they will have on this year's success as they prevailed in a thrilling 9-8(4) performance to clinch the victory for the Stags. As a team, the Stags displayed great teamwork, composure, and focus as the last ball was not hit until 2:00 a.m.
The win brings the Fairfield men's tennis team to 2-1 on the season. They return back to Stamford Indoor Tennis Club when they host NJIT on February 12 at 7 p.m.
RESULTS
Singles
1.) Sauter def. Fomin 7-6(3), 6-4
2.) Michalisin def. Rummel 6-4, 6-1
3.) Kallaheimo def. Zlobinsky 6-3, 7-5
4.) E. Kremheller def. Sztabholz 6-4, 6-4
5.) Schmitz def. Merinder 6-1, 6-0
6.) Arciuli def. Breault 7-6(3), 6-2
Doubles
1.) Michalisin/E. Kremheller def. Rummel/Fomin 9-7
2.) Zlobinsky/Breault def. Kailaheimo/Sztabholz 9-8(4)*
3.) Schmitz/Arciuli def. Merinder/Sauter 9-8(4)
