Tuesday, 03/27/2012

PHILADELPHIA, PA. – The Xavier men’s tennis team blanked Atlantic 10 opponent Saint Joseph’s 7-0 Saturday afternoon.  The Musketeers improve to 6-8 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.

Xavier started off the match strong by earning the doubles point to go up 1-0.  The duo of sophomores Mesa Mei and Jimmy Roebker easily won 8-0. Seniors Richard Canelas and Marc Pretorious downed their opponents 8-6 while Juniors Phil Diaz and Brandon MacDonald fell 9-7.

The success continued throughout singles play.  Roebker led Xavier at the No. 1 (6-1, 6-2). Mei succeeded (6-3, 6-0) at the No. 2 while Canelas defeated his opponent in three (6-3, 4-6, 6-3). Also winning were MacDonald (6-2, 6 6-1), freshman Michael Moe (6-1, 7-6(5)) and freshman Freddy Abunku (6-4, 6-4).

“Our guys were really looking forward to this weekend and getting back into A-10 play. Our practices have been really good this week and today’s play reflected the hard work we put in this week. Today was definitely a step in the direction as we continue our season,” said head coach Eric Toth.

The Musketeers return to action tomorrow at Temple. First serve is set for 5 p.m.