Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
ITA Southeast Regionals
Men's Tennis Concludes Play in Regional
10/23/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Oct. 23, 2010
Gainesville, Fla. - The Florida Atlantic University men's tennis team finished play in the prestigious Intercollegiate Tennis Association Southeast Regional on Saturday with a productive day of action in Gainesville, Fla.
The Owls went 2-2 in singles matches on the day against strong competition. Senior Marc Abdelnour saw his dream of an individual title fade when he lost a hard-fought match in the round of 32. The Syria native was upset by Georgia Tech's Dusin Miljevic by 7-6 (7), 7-5 scores.
"It was a well-fought battle," said Brandon Stokes, FAU's head men's tennis coach. "Marc had the first and second set on his racket but couldn't convert. It is emotionally tough because he works hard, is a smart player and is passionate. I expect him to rebound from this loss."
Miljevic is still alive in the singles draw after earning another victory later in the afternoon.
In the consolation singles bracket, senior Ervin Garibovic rebounded with an impressive straight-set 6-1, 6-4 victory over Jacksonville University's Logan Shalmi. "Ervin was originally not going to play today, but did for his teammates," noted Stokes. "He loves his mates and it showed. Ervin battled back in the second set with relentless forehand shots and net play. It was a gutsy performance against a classy competitor."
Sophomore Derek Madon also earned a victory in Saturday's consolation round competition. After winning the opening set, the Fort Lauderdale native was victorious over Jacksonville's Pitt Von Oertzen by winning the third-set tiebreaker 10-7.
"Derek played a gritty tiebreaker in the third set," said Stokes. "It showed good guts and determination, despite not being 100 percent physically."
Rounding out FAU's Saturday performances was freshman Oliver Webb, who fell in straight sets by identical 6-3 scores.
The Owls will have a short turnaround before returning to the court. They will participate in the University of Central Florida Fall Invitational, beginning on Friday, October 29 in Orlando.
