ANDERSON, S.C. – The 44th-ranked Anderson Trojans men's tennis team looks to start off their spring season strong against No. 4-ranked Columbus State. Saturday's match will mark the 11th all-time meeting between the Trojans and Cougars. AU has competed in 5 fall dual matches, CSU will open their season against the Trojans.
Match Information:
Who: #44 Anderson Trojans (4-1, 0-0 SAC) vs. #4 Columbus State Cougars (0-0, 0-0 Peach Belt)
Where: John W. Walden Tennis Center, Columbus, GA
When: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Last Meeting at Anderson: Columbus State won 6-0 on April 6, 2023
Last Meeting at Columbus State: Columbus State won 7-0 on February 15, 2020
Series History: Columbus State leads, 10-0
COACH'S CORNER
"We're looking forward to starting the spring campaign down in Columbus, Georgia at Columbus State," said AU Head Coach Joey Eskridge. "They're always a really tough out. Our team will get a lot of good experience and see where we need to be to be one of the top teams in the SAC."
TROJANS START STRONG
The Black and Gold posted a 4-1 record in fall dual matches, including a tight 4-3 win over regional rival Young Harris in their lone home match. Junior Patrick Cronin and freshman Vicent Mico have been a bright spot for the team, recording a 3-1 record at the No. 2 doubles position. In singles, sophomore Hampton Goldman also notched three victories, including the clinching match against Young Harris.
SCOUTING COLUMBUS STATE
- Columbus State returns a pair of starters from last year's team that finished with a 21-5 record and #4 national ranking.
- The Cougars' NCAA Tournament run featured wins over Belmont Abbey, North Georgia, Le Moyne, Hawaii Pacific, and UIndy before falling at the hands of Barry in the national title match.
- Returner Justin Welz paired with newcomer Camilo Cano to win the ITA Regional Doubles Championship in September. The duo dropped two tight matches in the ITA Cup in October.
- CSU has won their last 35 home matches, dating back to 2019.
LAST TIME VS CSU
The Cougars bested the Trojans by a 6-0 score in the spring of the 2023 season, as only singles matches were played. The Trojans' Juan Sengariz nearly scored a victory at No. 1 singles against the nation's top-ranked player, Santiago Perez, but dropped a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 decision.
COLLIGNON MAKING HIS MARK
Newcomer Mathis Collignon has made an immediate impact with the Trojans this season. The Les Pavillons Sous Bois, France native won all four of his doubles matches in the fall schedule, and won a trio of singles matches as well.
FOLLOW THE TROJANS ON SOCIALS
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 and on X @AU_MTEN.
UP NEXT
AU will open up their spring home schedule on Tuesday, February 6th against Converse. The Trojans and Valkyries are set for a 2:00 p.m. start time at the Trojan Tennis Complex.
Written by Drew Cagle
