April 2, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University men's tennis team (12-6, 6-0 OVC) defeated conference-rival and defending OVC-champion Tennessee Tech on Saturday (April 2) at the Darwin C. Tennis Center, located on the campus of Samford University.

"The players had to deal with some very difficult playing conditions today," said head coach Kemper Baker. "I am proud of the way our team responded as they stayed focused and got a win over a quality Tennessee Tech team."

In doubles, Samford gained the doubles point with two out of three wins. At court No. 2, Samford's Hank Grant / Stuart Misner defeated TTU's Michele Panzeri/ Borja Zarco (8-2), while James Bryce / Johnny Griffee won against TTU's Tiago Gilioli/ Juan Pablo Gomez (8-5) at court No. 3.

In singles, the Bulldogs won three out six for Samford to take the match win.

On the Bulldogs' side, Misner defeated Golden Eagle Michele Panzeri (6-2, 7-6) at court No. 2, while at court No. 3 Renan Silveira won against TTU's Borja Zarco (6-3, 6-4) and Hank Grant defeated Golden Eagle Juan Pablo Gomez (6-0, 6-1) at court No. 6.

Scores:
Samford, 4
Tennessee Tech, 3
Doubles
1-Shimizu/ Saab (TTU) def. Miletic/ Silveira (SAM) 9-7
2- Grant/ Misner (SAM)) def. Panzeri/ Zarco (TTU) 8-2
3- Bryce/Griffee (SAM) def. Gilioli/ Gomez (TTU) 8-5
Singles
1- Shimizu (TTU) def. Miletic (SAM) 6-4,7-6
2- Misner (SAM) def. Panzeri (TTU) 6-2,7-6
3- Silveira (SAM) def. Zarco (TTU) 6-3,6-4
4- Gilioli (TTU) def. Griffee (SAM) 6-4,6-1
5- Saab (TTU) def. Weaver (SAM) 6-3,7-6
6- Grant (SAM) def. Gomez (TTU) 6-0,6-1

The Bulldogs will travel to battle Morehead State on Friday, April 8 in Morehead, Ky., while competing against Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, April 9 in Richmond, Ky. Friday's match is set for 11 a.m., while Saturday's match will begin at 9 a.m.