Men's Tennis Records Slew of Victories to Start Season

Friday, September 30

Houston, Texas

All Day

Troy University

Rice Collegiate Invitational

Men's Tennis Records Slew of Victories to Start Season

10/1/2016 9:54:00 AM | Tennis (M)

By: Russ Schaffer

HOUSTON, Texas – The Troy men's tennis team had a strong start to the season at the Rice Invitational as the Trojans used six singles victories in the first round and two doubles victories to move on in the tournament.

Winning in straight sets for the Trojans was Hassan Ndayishimiye (6-2, 6-2), Mustapha Belcora (6-2, 6-1), Andy Lau (6-1, 6-3), FIlip Masson (6-0, 6-1) and Andre Baldo (6-4, 6-0).

Troy also got victories from Pablo Moreno (6-3, 4-6 7-6 (4)) and Austin Racine (2-6, 6-4, 6-2). The only losses on the day came from Gabriel Niculescu (2-6, 6-7 (5)) and Jaiqi Duan (6-2, 4-6, 1-6), both competing in their first career match at Troy.

In the second round, Belcora won 6-0, 6-3, Masson won 7-5, 6-4, Baldo won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 and Racine won in mirrored fashion 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Ndayishimiye fell in a tough second round 2-6, 6-1, 2-6, Moreno lost 2-6, 2-6 and Lau fell 5-7, 2-6.

Lau and Moreno picked up right where they left off in doubles play as the duo won 7-5 in their pairing against Army. Manson and Racine also picked up a victory against Army, 8-4. The only doubles pairing to fall was Ndayishimiye and Duan, playing for the first time together, 8-5 against UIW.

QUOTABLE

"I was pleased with our performance as a team," head coach Scott Kidd said. "The guys started off winning all doubles matches. We followed that with several singles wins. Mustapha Belcora, Andre Baldo, Filip Mansson and Austin Racine. Freshman Jiaqi Duan lost in a tough three sets in the first round to seeded player from Rice.

The team showed lots of positive character today to start off our first event. Senior Hassan Ndayishimiye displayed sparks of his first year in losing to a top player in a three setter. No doubt the results we witnessed today is a positive message of what this team will accomplish this season. If we continue to build on today, there is a promising season ahead."

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

After being a role player last season, Racine equaled his win total from the previous year by notching two singles victories in the first day of the season. He added to his impressive day by nothing the doubles victory with Manson, as well.

NOTEWORTHY

• The only Trojans to fall in the first round of singles play were players who were competing for the first time at Troy.

• Troy was not shut out in any set on the day.

UP NEXT

The Rice Invitational will continue through Sunday. Second round action will take place on Saturday and the championship rounds will be held on Sunday.

For more information on Troy tennis, as well as all of Troy Athletics, visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find the Trojans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat by searching for Troy Athletics.