Rouchdi Gets Ranked Win, but Troy Falls

Wednesday, March 14

Boca Raton, FL

TBA

Troy University

George Washington University

Photo by: Troy University

3/14/2012 1:25:00 PM | Tennis (M)

By: Matt Mays

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Anas Rouchdi picked up a win over a nationally ranked opponent, but it wasn't enough as Troy fell to George Washington on Wednesday, 6-1, in a neutral court match.

Rouchdi, along with partner Patrick Eichler also won their doubles match, 8-6, but Troy (3-10) was unable to pick up any other doubles wins as the Colonials took the other two matches to secure the opening point.

Rouchdi, who entered the match 6-6 in singles play this season, was matched up with GW's Francisco Dias at number one singles. Rouchdi took the first set, but Dias, who entered the week ranked No.80 in the nation by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, knotted things up with a second set win.

The two sides played a super-tiebreaker in lieu of a full third set, and Rouchdi took advantage of his opportunities, taking the match, 6-4, 1-6, 1-0 (10-5). The win marks the first by a Trojan over a nationally ranked opponent this season.

Unfortunately for Troy, by the time Rouchdi and Dias finished their three-set duel, the match was already decided as George Washington (5-6) won at numbers five, six and four to take the needed 4-0 lead. The Colonials won at number three as well before Rouchdi picked up his win to get Troy on the board.

The Trojans will remain in south Florida for a Friday contest against Florida Atlantic. The Trojans and Owls will get underway at 1:00 p.m. CT in the first Sun Belt match for each team.

For more information on Troy Athletics, be sure to visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter at @TroyAthletics or become fans on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.

George Washington 6, Troy 1
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Cardinal Gibbons High School)

Singles competition
1. Anas Rouchdi (TROY) def. #80 Francisco Dias (GW) 6-4, 1-6, 1-0 (10-5)
2. Ugur Atalay (GW) def. Sami Ghorbel (TROY) 6-3, 2-6, 1-0 (10-6)
3. Alexander van Gils (GW) def. Mansingh Athare (TROY) 6-3, 6-3
4. Richard Blumenfeld (GW) def. Jamie Eccleton (TROY) 6-4, 6-2
5. Leonardo Lapentti (GW) def. Patrick Eichler (TROY) 6-0, 6-1
6. Viktor Svensson (GW) def. Tadju Davies (TROY) 6-3, 6-2

Doubles competition
1. Ugur Atalay/Francisco Dias (GW) def. Mansingh Athare/Sami Ghorbel (TROY) 8-4
2. Richard Blumenfeld/Alexander van Gils (GW) def. Tommy Cundy/Jamie Eccleton (TROY) 8-4
3. Patrick Eichler/Anas Rouchdi (TROY) def. Leonardo Lapentti/Viktor Svensson (GW) 8-6

Match Notes
George Washington 5-6
Troy 3-10
Order of Finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (5,6,4,3,1,2)