College Tennis News - Harvard Knocks Off UAB, 4-1, In First Round of Mission Valley Spring Classic

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Harvard men's tennis team kicked of its stay at the Mission Valley Spring Classic in fine style, knocking off UAB, 4-1, in the first round of the tournament Thursday. The win is Harvard's fifth straight and ups the Crimson's record to 10-4 on the season.

The Crimson was dominant in doubles play, breezing to the opening point. Harvard's third team of Alex Steinroeder and Kelvin Lam did not relinquish a game in a 8-0 victory and Andy Nguyen and Nicky Hu clinched the doubles point with an 8-1 victory at the second position.

Singles featured a quartet of straight-set decisions, including three victories by Harvard. Shaun Chaudhuri rolled at second singles, downing Tom Puetz, 6-2, 6-1, for his fourth victory at No. 2 this season. Lam was also well in control playing in the fifth position, taking down Luis Felipe Pinto, 6-0, 7-5, to remain perfect at No. 5 this year. The final singles victory came at No. 4 where Andy Nguyen posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over Chris Helliar, helping Harvard clinch the victory. Denis Nguyen suffered the lone defeat of the day for Harvard, dropping a 6-3, 6-3 decision to David Zimmerman at first singles.

With the win, Harvard advances to the next round of the tournament where it will face either Oklahoma State or San Diego State Friday.

Harvard 4, UAB 1

DOUBLES

MacMaster/D. Nguyen (Harvard) vs. Zimmerman/Puetz (UAB) Unfinished, 2-4

A. Nguyen/Hu (Harvard) def. Helliar/Dirube (UAB), 8-1

Steinroeder/Lam (Harvard) def. Rondino/Pinto (UAB), 8-0

SINGLES

Zimmerman (UAB) def. D. Nguyen (Harvard) 6-3, 6-3

Chaudhuri (Harvard) def. Puetz (UAB) 6-2, 6-1

Steinroeder (Harvard) vs. Rondino (UAB) unfinished, 2-6, 6-6 (3-5)

A. Nguyen (Harvard) def. Helliar (UAB) Harvard, 6-3, 6-4

Lam (Harvard) def. Pinto (UAB) 6-0, 7-5

MacMaster (Harvard) vs. Dirube (UAB), unfinished, 6-4, 6-6 (6-5)