High-Stakes Home Matches Loom for No. 33 Trojans

Posted: Apr 03, 2023

ANDERSON, S.C. – The No. 33 Anderson Trojans (12-1, 8-1 SAC) host a pair of highly-ranked opponents on Tuesday and Thursday, as No. 27 Tusculum (11-4, 7-0 SAC) and No. 6 Columbus State (10-3, 3-0 Peach Belt) come to town. AU looks to build on a four-match winning streak and 4-1 home record.

TUESDAY'S MATCH:

Who: #33 Anderson Trojans (12-1, 8-1 SAC) vs. #27 Tusculum Pioneers (11-4, 7-0 SAC)

Where: Trojan Tennis Complex, Anderson, S.C.

When: Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Last Meeting at Anderson: Tusculum won 6-1 on February 27, 2021

Last Meeting at Tusculum: Tusculum won 4-3 on March 1, 2022

Series History: Anderson leads, 9-6

THURSDAY'S MATCH:

Who: #33 Anderson Trojans (12-1, 8-1 SAC) vs. #6 Columbus State Cougars (10-3, 3-0 Peach Belt)

Where: Trojan Tennis Complex, Anderson, S.C.

When: Thursday, April 6, 2023

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Last Meeting at Anderson: Columbus State won 7-0 on February 2, 2022

Last Meeting at Columbus State: Columbus State won 7-0 on February 15, 2020

Series History: Columbus State leads, 9-0

WHAT'S AT STAKE

For Anderson:

A win over Tusculum would place AU into the top two spots in the SAC standings
A win over either team would be AU's first over a ranked opponent this season

For Tusculum:

A win would keep Tusculum in the top two spots in the SAC standings
Their fourth straight win over Anderson

For Columbus State:

Their ninth win over a ranked opponent
Their sixth win away from home
A second win over a SAC opponent (defeated Wingate 4-3 on February 26th)

LAST TIME OUT

The Black and Gold took down conference foe UVA Wise on Saturday by a 7-0 score. AU won the match without dropping a set, despite windy conditions. Seniors Julian Kenzlers and Heimanarii Lai San starred, clinching the doubles point with a 6-2 win at the No. 3 spot, before Kenzlers' straight set singles win clinched the team match. Lai San was victorious as well in singles play.

DOSCOTCH ROLLING

Junior Greyson Doscotch looks to extend his three-match winning streak at No. 2 singles, and build on his 9-3 singles record for the season. This comes after achieving a career-best win total last time out. The Priceville, Ill. native has also found great success on the doubles court for an 11-2 record.

A LOOK AT TUSCULUM

Tusculum has won their last 6 matches, including a trio of 7-0 sweeps in SAC play.
The Pioneers currently are tied for first place in the SAC standings with a 7-0 conference record.
In singles, Tusculum is led by Rhodri Atkinson, who is ranked No. 57 nationally. His 10-3 record at the No. 1 position leads the team.
TU's doubles has been led by the team of Nathan Matsuguma and Kenta Kondou, who have teamed for 7 wins between the No. 2 and No. 3 spots.

A LOOK AT COLUMBUS STATE

The Cougars sport a No. 6 national ranking, and enter Thursday's match off of an emphatic 7-0 win over No. 10 Lander on Sunday.
Freshman Santiago Perez has had a fantastic season at the No. 1 position. He has posted a 7-2 record en route to a No. 1 national singles ranking.

- Columbus State has two other ranked players, Javier Cueto Ramos at No. 26 and Pietro Martinetti at No. 73.
In doubles, CSU has mixed and matched with pairings, but has taken 6 of their last 7 doubles points.
- The Cougars have a pair of ranked teams, with Santiago Perez and Javier Cueto Ramos at No. 10, and Tomasso Schold and Pietro Martinetti at No. 17.

UP NEXT

The Trojans stay at home for a matchup with the Catawba Indians on Wednesday, April 12th. Match time is set for 2:00 p.m.

Keep up with the team at AUTrojans.com for coverage of the Anderson men's tennis team during the season, and keep up with the team on Instagram @autrojansmtennis

Written by AU student-athlete Drew Cagle