Raiders sweep Austin Peay and Chattanooga

Monday, January 15

Murfreesboro, Tenn. - Adams Tennis Complex

11 AM

Middle Tennessee

Austin Peay

1/15/2018 6:44:00 PM | Men's Tennis

MT opens the 2018 season with two wins

By: @MTAthletics

MT vs. Austin Peay results
MT vs. Chattanooga results
Season Statistics

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – In two matches against in-state foes Austin Peay and Chattanooga, Middle Tennessee's men's tennis team failed to surrender a team point to their opponents, sweeping both matches, 7-0.

"We've got a deep and solid team. They push each other in practice and bring a great level of energy every day to the gym, to training, to everything," MT head coach Jimmy Borendame said after the pair of wins.

The Blue Raiders came out of the gates strong in doubles against Austin Peay in the first match of the day, with Chris Edge and Tom Moonen taking the win at No. 1, 6-2. Max Rauch teamed up with Nicolas Buitrago Machado to clinch the first point of the season by winning their match at No. 3, 6-2.

"Chris has been a pleasant surprise as a 6-2 lefty with a huge serve and return," Borendame added. "He's pretty fiery, and he really got into it today. I'm happy to see his game blossoming."

In singles play, all six Blue Raiders took down their opponents from Austin Peay in straight sets. Gian Issa opened up the scoring in singles with a 6-0, 6-1 performance on court five, followed by Edge's victory at No. 4 by a score of 6-1, 6-1. Rauch sealed the Blue Raiders' first win of the season with a 6-2, 6-2 score on court six. Moonen, Miguel Negre Fernandez and Gonzalo Morell Raschiatore also won their singles matches.

Morell and Negre started the match against Chattanooga off with a 6-2 victory at No. 2 doubles. Moonen and Edge maintained their perfection on the day by winning 6-4 at the top doubles spot. Rauch and Buitrago were one point away from winning their match, but they were unable to finish with the score at 6-5.

Issa wrapped up a perfect day with a 6-2, 6-0 triumph on court five to get the singles action started against Chattanooga. After Morell cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 2, Rauch again clinched the MT win by taking care of his match at No. 6. Edge, Buitrago and Moonen all won in straight sets as well to close out another sweep for the Blue Raiders.

"Max is a different player from last year. He's hitting the ball a lot better than last year, he's settled into his game plan, and he's more mature," Borendame said. "He put on a little bit of size, but he's playing some good tennis early in the year."

MT now eyes a big road test at Vanderbilt on Friday at 2 p.m. before returning to the Adams Tennis Complex on Sunday for a doubleheader with UAB and Alabama State starting at 11 a.m.