Box ScoreDURHAM, N.C. – Sophomore
Kert Kilumets and the freshmen duo of
Gabriel Cucalon and
Davide Callegari all won their singles matches after the Eagles dominated doubles to secure a 4-3 non-conference men's tennis victory for North Carolina Central University over visiting Averett University on Friday afternoon at the NCCU Tennis Courts.
The Eagles have won their last two home games and are 2-12 on the season. The Cougars, who are regionally ranked at the NCAA Division III level, had a four-match win streak come to an end but they still maintain a solid 9-3 overall ledger.
NCCU's three singles victories came in the upper half of the lineup with Kilumets in the top position, Cucalon on the second court and Callegari in the third slot. All three triumphs were in straight sets.
Cucalon dominated his bout 6-1, 6-0 to level his dual match record to 7-7. Kilumets wrapped up his victorious play just moments later by a 6-2, 6-3 mark, his second win in two days, and Callegari sealed the Eagles team victory with his 6-2, 6-1 conquest. Both Kilumets and Callegari hold 5-9 singles records.
The rookie tandem of Cucalon and Callegari coasted to a perfect 6-0 win in the marquee doubles match and Kilumets paired with senior
Thomas Persico for a 6-2 victory at No. 2 as the Maroon and Gray picked up the very important first team point. Cucalon and Callegari have won four times together and Kilumets and Persico have been in the win column three times as partners.
Carlos Lora had Averett's only win that was contested, tallying an unblemished 6-0, 6-0 win over junior
Dillon Strepay. The Cougars received a walkover win at No. 5 singles and a forfeit win at No. 6.
NCCU next plays Hampton University on Saturday. The match between the two MEAC institutions has been moved to the indoor facilities at the Centre Court Racquet Club in Newport News, Virginia, at Noon due to the high probability of rain in the area this weekend.
