Appelgren, Adoncecchi Set Tone Early, Privateers Defeat Jackson State

BOX SCORE

NEW ORLEANS – Christoffer Appelgren and Giacomo Adoncecchi set a solid early tone in doubles and the University of New Orleans men's tennis team (2-0) was able to stay the course for a 6-1 win over the Jackson State Tigers (0-4) on Saturday at the University Tennis Center.
 
With doubles beginning the day, Appelgren and Adoncecchi blitzed through their match-up at the #2 spot. The tandem defeated Vishu Prasad and Geria Hernan at 6-0 to put the Privateers ahead early for the first point, which was finished when Nicolas Kramer and Gonzalo Garcia won 6-2 at #3 doubles.
 
The first two singles matches finished in favor of the Privateers. Kramer eased to a first set victory and his opponent retired from the match afterward. Luis Albuquerque was also in command throughout, notching a 6-3, 6-0 win at #6 singles.
 
"That doubles point certainly gave us the momentum," said Coach Burzis Kanga. "This was a good Jackson State team, but we came through and played well. Across the board, this was a good match for us. We needed this in many ways, and this will prepare us for Alcorn."
 
Jackson State looked to turn the corner after picking up a win at #1 singles. However, it was Appelgren who notched the clinching point for the Privateers. After his serve was broken while leading 5-4 in the second set, Appelgren had to endure a tiebreak that went back and forth before Appelgren came out with an 11-9 win to decide the match.
 
"It's experience now," said Kanga. Chris lost a golden point in the second set but he came back and fought very well in the tiebreaker. He is mentally tough and he won't beat himself. Chris is a leader for us and he did a good job today."
 
Adoncecchi and Garcia also outlasted their opponents for three-set victories. Adoncecchi rallied from losing the first set while Garcia lost a 1-0 lead before coming back to win the third and deciding set at 6-3.
 
The next match will be on Saturday, Feb. 13 against Alcorn State at 2 p.m.
 
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