Catawba Men’s Tennis Advances to NCAA Division II National Semifinals

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – The Catawba College men's tennis team advanced to the NCAA Division II Men's Tennis National Semifinals with a 5-2 victory over University of Texas at Tyler on Thursday afternoon.

UT Tyler claimed the doubles point after earning wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. Daniil Felker and Carel Wessel defeated Luca Bergonzi and Agustin Mastri 6-4 at the top position, while Samuel Antwi and Trevor Short secured a 6-3 victory over Mateo Berne and Alessandro Valletta at No. 3 doubles. The No. 2 doubles match was abandoned tied at 5-5.

Catawba responded in singles play by winning four completed matches in straight sets to secure the team victory and punch its ticket to the national semifinals. Agustin Mastri opened the run with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Artiom Dorofeev at No. 1 singles, while Santiago Passoni followed with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Carel Wessel at No. 2. Mateo Berne added a 6-3, 6-4 triumph at No. 3 singles against Malo Poulesquen.

Luca Bergonzi clinched the victory for the Indians at No. 4 singles, rallying after dropping the opening set to defeat Samuel Antwi 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. The remaining matches at Nos. 5 and 6 singles were abandoned after the team result had been decided.

Catawba will face Barry University in the NCAA Division II Men's Tennis National Semifinal on Saturday at noon.