The Owls continued their 11 consecutive home match stand with a 2pm start against the University of Buffalo. It was a beautiful Boca Raton day—75degrees, no clouds, and a slight breeze. The Bulls came out in doubles and won at 1 doubles and then FAU won at 2 doubles to bring the focus to 3 doubles. The teams traded breaks throughout the match. The FAU team of Braunworth and Garibovic saved 4 match points to force a tie break. The Owls would come up short in a dramatic finish after not capitalizing on a match point and lose 9-7.

 

“We must do the fundamentals better in doubles. It’s this simple. And we must initiate with courage instead of playing tentative.”

 

The Owls are down 1-0 after the hour and 15 minute doubles match. “Fortunately for us our singles have been consistently improving and we continue to demonstrate our toughness. Regardless of our level of play we compete at our highest level.” 

 

The Bulls opened up with a win at 4 singles 6-4, 6-3 to stretch their team lead to 2-0. It was the last point they would win. The Dirty Birds would win the final 5 singles matches to improve the team record to 5-3 on the year. Georg Matschke put FAU on the board first with a 6-3, 6-4 win at 6 singles. Matty Boy Braunworth persevered at 5 singles to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to tie the team match at 2-2. Then Joshua “Doc” Scholl gave the Owls the lead with a 7-6 (7), 6-3 gutsy performance at 3 singles. Senior Law Dog Harradine clinched the match with family and teammates cheering him on as he won a spirited battle at 1 singles 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Big E Garibovic wrapped the victory up for the Dirty Birds at 2 singles with a 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-2 win.

 

The Owls continue their 17 day home stand versus Kennesaw State on Tuesday, March 9 at 2pm.
"Thanks for the vocal fan support today from FAU staff and students, family, and local Owl supporters.  It's great having you with us!"