The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s tennis duo competing at the Georgia Southern Championships had a good opening day. The Mocs won three of four singles matches to start the event in Statesboro, Ga.
UTC junior Gino Delavalle went 2-0 in Flight C. He began with a straight-set win over Florida Atlantic’s Ignacio Jimenez (6-3, 6-2). His second match was a three-set, comeback victory over Kennesaw State’s Manuel Castellanos (3-6, 6-4, 6-1). After losing the first set, Delavalle was down 3-0 in the second and nearly out of the match.
He stormed back to take 12 of the next 14 games for the win.
Freshman Michael Birnbaum grabbed his first career win with a (6-2, 6-2) victory against Zack White from the Savannah College of Art & Design. He lost in the second round to FAU’s Stephan Burnett (6-2, 6-3).
“This was a great first day for the Mocs,” stated head coach Carlos Garcia. “We hope to carry the momentum gained from these wins into the weekend, and I am excited to see how we do in doubles.”
The Mocs are back on the court tomorrow with two doubles matches and an afternoon singles bout.
Flight C Singles
Gino Delavalle (UTC) def. Ignacio Jimenez (FAU) – 6-3, 6-2
Gino Delavalle (UTC) def. Manuel Castellanos (KSU) – 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
Flight E Singles
Michael Birnbaum (UTC) def. Zack White (SCAD) – 6-2, 6-2
Stephan Burnett (FAU) def. Michael Birnbaum (UTC) – 6-2, 6-3