By Christina Christodoulou
Last week the Drew University men’s tennis opened their fall season on the road against Rutgers-Newark. This match-up provided wins for the three newcomers on the team, Geoffrey Diehl (’20), Parker Diamond (’20) and Bryce Weizer (’20).
Salikh Gilmutdinov (’18) opened his season as a transfer student at the number one singles, where he topped his opponent 6-2, 6-1. Diehl, Weizer and Diamond also claimed wins in the opener, all in straight sets. Diamond grinded out a 7-5 win in his first set after falling behind 5-2.
The Rangers had the 3-0 lead after winning all the doubles play. Gilmutdinov and reigning Landmark Rookie of the Year Vineet Vemulapally (’19) beat their first doubles opponents, 8-6, while Diehl teamed up with Will Morrison (’19) for an 8-2 win at second doubles. Drew wrapped up doubles with an 8-2 at number three spot by Weizer and Chris Morville (’19).
Vemulapally won at second singles 6-2, 6-0 and Morrison took his third singles match, 6-1, 6-2,
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Drew University’s men’s tennis team defeated Penn State Abington with a score of 6-3, improving their record to 2-0.
At the top doubles spot, Vemulapally and Morrison claimed victory with a convincing 8-2 win. Diehl and Diamond also beat Abington at the number two doubles spot with a score of 8-5.
On the singles court, Vemulapally, Diehl and Diamond each swept their opponents in straight sets to clinch the team victory. Vemulapally posted a score of 6-3, 6-4 while Diehl competed a quick match going 6-1,6-0. Vemulapally ultimately clinched the match for the Rangers. Morrison made a comeback after dropping his first set, providing the next point for Drew, with his posted score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.
The Rangers look to continue their winning streak this weekend as they enter the FDU-Florham tournament on Sunday, Oct. 2. The Rangers will then end their fall season against Marywood University on Tuesday, Oct. 4 on their home court.
