Chicago, Ill. — The Illinois Tech Men's Tennis team pulled off a solid 5-2 win over MSOE on Sunday at the XS Tennis Center. Despite a rough start in doubles, the Scarlet Hawks soared by taking five out of six singles matches to seal the victory. One of the keys to the victory was a comeback win for Pedro Caro-Accino Roca in the number two singles match.

Illinois Tech now stands at 7-5 overall and boasts a 1-0 record in conference play. MSOE, on the other hand, holds a 4-10 overall record with a 1-1 in conference.

Head Coach Jack Lunn appreciated his team's fight after falling behind 1-0 after doubles.

"They really came out and stunned us a bit in doubles," said Lunn. "I'm so happy with how we competed (afterwards). They showed great mental toughness."

How It Happened

The Scarlet Hawks stumbled early, dropping the doubles point as the Raiders snagged wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. Randy Funez and Carlos Lopez defeated Tanay Sharma and Alexander Feher 6-4 at the top spot, while Augusto Eiji Yamazak and Pedro Mendes triumphed 6-3 over Pol Dueso Guell and Tejas Sheth at No. 3. However, Pedro Roca and Hozumi Tada salvaged a 6-2 victory at No. 2 doubles against Clark Rue and Miguel Lopez.

In singles, Illinois Tech turned up the heat. Sharma set the tone with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over Miguel Lopez at No. 1. Roca followed up with a gritty comeback at No. 2, defeating Funez 1-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-4. Dueso Guell added to the charge with a 7-6(7-3), 6-3 victory over Carlos Lopez at No. 4.

Tada clinched the match at No. 5 singles, fighting back for a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win against Emilio Ulloa. Joseph Au wrapped things up with a decisive 6-2, 6-3 win over Mendes at No. 6. Despite Feher's setback at No. 3 singles, where he fell to Augusto Eiji Yamazak 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, the Scarlet Hawks emerged victorious with a 5-2 final score.

Doubles   
Randy Funez/Carlos Lopez (MSOE) def. Tanay Sharma/Alexander Feher (IIT) 6-4  
Pedro Roca/Hozumi Tada (IIT) def. Clark Rue/Miguel Lopez (MSOE) 6-2  
Augusto Eiji Yamazak/Pedro Mendes (MSOE) def. Pol Dueso Guell/Tejas Sheth (IIT) 6-3  

Singles  
Tanay Sharma (IIT) def. Miguel Lopez (MSOE) 6-3, 6-1  
Pedro Roca (IIT) def. Randy Funez (MSOE) 1-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-4  
Augusto Eiji Yamazak (MSOE) def. Alexander Feher (IIT) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4  
Pol Dueso Guell (IIT) def. Carlos Lopez (MSOE) 7-6(7-3), 6-3  
Hozumi Tada (IIT) def. Emilio Ulloa (MSOE) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3  
Joseph Au (IIT) def. Pedro Mendes (MSOE) 6-2, 6-3  

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Pedro Roca
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- 1 singles match win
- 1 doubles match win

Hozumi Tada
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- 1 singles match win
- 1 doubles match win

Tanay Sharma
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- 1 singles match win

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech improved to 8-3 overall against MSOE.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks face off next against Concordia University Chicago at home on Saturday, April 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the XS Tennis Center in another NACC matchup.