JMU Beats In-State Rival Richmond, 5-2

Saturday, April 3

Richmond, Va.

Noon

James Madison University

Richmond

4/3/2021 4:49:00 PM | Men's Tennis

Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – James Madison men's tennis ended a two-match losing skid with a 5-2 victory at Richmond on Saturday afternoon at Westhampton Courts.

The Dukes evened their record to 5-5 while the Spiders fell to 5-7. The win was JMU's fourth straight against Richmond, as it has won every season since the 2017-18 campaign.

JMU was able to battle back from an early deficit, winning five of six singles matches with the final two coming in tiebreak fashion.

In doubles play, redshirt juniors Alvaro Arce and Gonzalo Adis started off strong for JMU, winning 6-3 against Campbell Erwin and John Walsh on court two. Richmond would win the other two doubles matches to claim the early 1-0 lead.

Moving over to singles, JMU was able to steal back the momentum early.

Redshirt sophomore William Karpinski began with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Erwin on court five. Redshirt senior Paul Mendoza followed shortly after with a victory of his own on court four, beating Walsh, 6-1, 6-4.

JMU extended its lead to 3-1 on court one when redshirt freshman Holden Koons downed Matt Fernandez by scores of 6-3, 6-2. Koons now sits at 7-3 in singles play this season.

After the Spiders made it a 3-2 match with a win on court six, the match clincher came on court two. Freshman Oscar Hernandez outlasted Daniel Kliebhan 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(3). Arce finished off the match with a three-set thriller on court three. He fought off Alex Wernink, earning a 5-7, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) victory.

QUOTING COACH JASON SINKOFF
"Richmond is a huge rival for us. Every year, we know it is going to be a tough, close match and this year was no different. It really came down to our ability to fight for every point and never give up. It was a gritty effort by the entire team, and it feels great to get the W! Go Dukes!"

UP NEXT
The Dukes have a week off before they host CAA foe Delaware on Sunday, April 11 at the Hillside Courts. First serve is set for 3 p.m.