MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – The Georgia College Men's Tennis team (0-1) had a tall order to start the 2022 season Tuesday, hosting No. 5 Valdosta State University (1-0) and falling 6-1 at the Centennial Center Courts.
The Bobcats got their lone point from freshman Karol Malirz (Marbella, Spain), who beat Lamar Bartley in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2 in second singles.
Doubles action started with a sweep. Gabriel Cizek (Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic) and Enzo Sergi (Nice, France) teamed for a 6-2 loss in the first line to the No. 2 doubles pairing in the nation in Luca Mack and Rodrigo Carvalho. In second doubles, Sebastian Nunez (Buford) and Lukas Zavrel (Ulvano, Czech Republic) were shut out by Lamar Bartley and Christian Felline. Malirz and Jorge Robinson (Entre Rios, Argentina) took a 6-3 defeat in the third line from Swann Flohr and Edward Etty.
The Blazers doubled their advantage with the first singles finish, as Cizek lost to National No. 12 Mack 6-2, 6-3. National No. 29 Carvalho then topped Robinson in the third slot with a pair of 6-3 sets. Malirz's finish then brought the match to 3-1.
VSU got the clinching point for the team win in fourth singles, where Masumi Komada (Aichi, Japan) fell to Christian Wedel. In the sixth slot, Aurelien Arlot (Houilles, France) lost to Cameron Trigolos. The day wrapped up in the fifth slot, as Sergi fell to Felline 7-5, 6-4.
The Bobcats are back in action Friday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., traveling to Emmanuel College.
The proud recipients of the 2021 PBC Sportsmanship Institution of the Year, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GC Athletics is now two-time winners of both the PBC Commissioner's Cup and the league's sportsmanship honor. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in post-season competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics holds to the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life". Sign up at @GCBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports.
