Thursday, 03/08/2012

RICHMOND, Va.—When the Devil went down to Georgia, it was rumored he was looking for a soul.  When the Devil came up to Virginia, he was looking to steal a win a on the road.  The fifth-ranked Duke Blue Devils were able to take the victory from VCU, winning 5-2 at the Thalhimer Tennis Center.

The Rams came out strong in doubles action.  Each match remained close, but the Blue Devils were able to pick up wins across the board.  Max Wennakoski and Filip Svensson battled to 8-6, while Alexis Heugas & Antoine Baroz and Jaime Vazquez & Camill Salomon each matched up to 8-5.

In the second position for VCU's singles line-up, Heugas was able to put the Black & Gold on the board with a defeat of Chris Mengel from Duke 6-1, 3-6, 7-6.  Svensson added to that total with a victory against Fred Saba in the fourth position 7-5, 6-2.  Baroz fought for a win, taking his match to three sets, but he was just edged by Torsten Wietoska.

VCU falls to 12-4 on the season.  They return to action against Temple University next Saturday, March 10.  Match-play should begin at 2 p.m. at Thalhimer Tennis Center.

DUKE 5, VCU 2

Doubles

    Henrique Cunha/Fred Saba def. Alexis Heugas/Antoine Baroz (VCU), 8-5
    David Holland/Chris Mengel (DUKE) def. Max Wennakoski/Filip Svensson (VCU), 8-6
    Torsten Wietoska/Raphael Hemmeler (DUKE) def. Jaime Vazquez/Camill Salomon (VCU), 8-5

Singles

    Henrique Cunha (DUKE) def. #89 Max Wennakoski (VCU) 6-0, 6-0
    Alexis Heugas (VCU) def. Chris Mengel (DUKE) 6-1, 3-6, 7-6
    Torsten Wietoska (DUKE) def. Antoine Baroz (VCU) 6-0, 5-7, 6-3
    Filip Svensson (VCU) def. Fred Saba (DUKE) 7-5, 6-2
    Raphael Hemmeler (DUKE) def. Jaime Vazquez (VCU) 7-5, 6-3
    Jason Tahir (DUKE) def. Rui Silva (VCU) 6-3, 6-2