AGGIES BATTLE HARD AGAINST LIBERTY

GREENSBORO,  March 17, 2006  –  The N.C. A&T men’s tennis team fell to Liberty, 7-0, in a highly competitive match at the Aggie Tennis Complex. The Aggies are now 6-11 overall.   

Damon Martin turned in a solid effort, but fell to Priit Phil in No. 1 singles, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. The loss snapped a four match winning streak for the eldest Martin, who has a 9-6 record this season. “I felt pretty comfortable out there in the first set,” he said. “But I missed some key shots in crucial points in the last two sets. I thought that I played pretty well, but it’s disappointing to lose, when you know you have what it takes to win.”

Jeremy Martin also played three sets in losing to Carlos Cardona at No. 3 singles, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. “I felt that I didn’t play too well and I need to improve on some things. I felt good in the third set, being down 4-0 to get to 5-4, but I just didn’t have it on my serve today and I felt that cost me.”

Porter Myrick was the third Aggie to go to three sets in his loss to Sebastian Pena, 0-6, 6-3, 10-7. “I had to deal with a lot of elements today, especially with the wind and a good opponent. But I gave myself a chance to win, so I know I must capitalize, and I didn’t do that today.”

At No. 6 singles, Quincy Hawley battled but fell to Fabricio Picanco, 2-6, 3-6, 10-5. “Quincy has been consistent in his play from the six spot and that’s good new for us,” said coach James Dunwoody. “He has a very quiet demeanor on the court and that’s his world. Today, he showed what a bright future he has here at A&T.”

The Aggies claimed a victory at No. 3 doubles as Damon Martin and Londell Hartsfield defeated Picanco and Cardona, 8-6. But the Highlanders won both in No. 1 doubles and No. 2 doubles to gain the doubles point.

 N.C. A&T will travel to UNC Wilmington on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.

Liberty 7 N.C. A&T 0

March 17, 2006 at Aggie Tennis Complex

Singles competition

1.  Priit Pihl (LU) def. Damon Martin (NCAT) 2-6, 6-3, 6-3

2.  Jarda Trojan (LU) def. Vitas Hawley (NCAT) 6-4, 6-4

3. Carlos Cardona (LU) def. Jeremy Martin (NCAT) 5-7, 6-2, 6-4

4.  Joseph Withers (LU) def. Jared Martin (NCAT) 6-2, 6-3

5.  Sebastian Pena (LU) def. Porter Myrick (NCAT) 0-6, 6-2, 10-7

6.  Fabricia Picanco (LU) def. Quincy Hawley (NCAT) 2-6, 6-4, 10-5     

Doubles competition

1. Priit Pihl / Jarda Trojan (LU) def. Porter Myrick / Jared Martin (NCAT), 8-4

2. Sebastian Pena / Joseph Withers (LU) def. Jeremy Martin / Vitas Hawley (NCAT), 8-1

3. Damon Martin /Londell Hartsfield (NCAT), def. Carlos Cardona / Fabricia Picanco (LU), 8-6