DANVILLE, Va. – No. 47 Averett University men's tennis continued its march through the spring season, defeating visitors Virginia Wesleyan University 6-1 on Saturday afternoon at the Averett Tennis Courts.
Averett (11-4, 6-1 ODAC) fell behind the ropes early. Virginia Wesleyan (6-9, 4-3 ODAC) gave the Cougars fits, taking both No. 2 and 3 doubles to clinch the first point.
With some pressure on its backs, Averett upped the intensity in singles, and proved its rank by sweeping the last six matches.
Jaeden Mukkaladyil earned his 14th win of 2024-25 against Rafael Rullan Zarraga of the Marlins in his second straight three set match. Mukkaladyil, from a set down, won 1-6, 6-4, 6-0.
Lucas Fiandra also had his own theatrics at No. 6, following suit with his fellow teammate and went the distance. Also down a set, the freshman dug his way out of the deficit, taking the second set 6-1, then won a 20-point third set super-tiebreaker, 11-9 to get his ninth singles win of the year.
Averett faces a tough test at home next Saturday, April 19, as No. 51 Shenandoah University comes to town. Start time between the ranked teams is set for 10 a.m.
