ECU improves to 2-0 in dominant win

The East Carolina University (2-0) men’s tennis team battled the University of North Carolina Asheville (1-1) on Sunday afternoon. The team crushed its opponent, barely giving up any matches. The Pirates swept the doubles and dominated the singles as well, finishing with a 6-1 win over UNC Asheville.

“We lost to Asheville last year so it's very rewarding to see us get through this one today,” head coach Shawn Heinchon said. “I thought from the moment we started our energy was unbelievable, our focus was even better, and it showed in our performance.”

ECU 6️⃣ — UNC Asheville 1️⃣Federico wins! What a weekend for the Pirates!6️⃣✅ 6-7, 6-0, 1-0 (10-5)

— ECU Men's Tennis (@ecutennisM) January 26, 2020

The Pirates dominated the doubles matches, winning two in a row leaving the third unfinished. The first ECU win came from sophomore Simon Labbe and junior Agustin Tamagnone with a final of 6-1. Sophomore Diogo Marques and freshman Frederico Masetti won their match 6-3 to secure the doubles point for ECU.

Marques was able to continue winning in his singles matchup where he defeated his opponent in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. This win gives Marques a 10-0 record in singles matches this year. Senior Javier Renones defeated his opponent in straight sets, also sinning 6-2, 6-2.

Following the two quick wins, UNC Asheville scored its first and only point after Labbe took a tough loss. The matches were tightly contested and ended 7-5, 7-5 in favor of UNC Asheville. The Pirate victory was soon claimed by Tamagnone, who defeated his opponent 6-1, 6-4. Junior Wisse Jonker followed up by winning his match 6-2, 6-3.

To end the day, Masetti battled for three sets against UNC Asheville’s Quinn Fender. Masetti initially led the first set, but fell 5-7 to Fender. The second set was taken quickly by Masetti by winning six games straight. To end the match, Masetti took the final set 1-0 (10-5).

“I’d like to compliment our senior leadership in [Renones], I think he’s doing a great job,” Heinchon said. “All through our line-up our guys are performing and trying as hard as they can, but it really starts with our senior.”

The Pirates opened their season Friday against North Carolina Central University (0-3). ECU dominated the matchup, winning of the all singles matches and losing only one doubles match.

East Carolina will host the United States Naval Academy (2-2) next Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the ECU Indoor Tennis Facility.

ECU has played Navy’s men’s tennis team seven times in the past and has a winning record of 5-2. The Pirates have bested Navy in the past three matchups, including a 5-2 victory in their last contest. After going 2-0 to start, the men’s tennis team will look to continue its streak on Friday.