Hogs Fall Short of Upset Against No. 24 South Carolina, 4-3
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 45 Arkansas men’s tennis team (13-5, 1-2) fell shy of an upset over No. 24 South Carolina (7-7, 1-2), dropping the match 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Billingsley Tennis Center.
In doubles play, the Gamecocks took the early advantage with a win on court two, as Story/da Silva defeated Connor Smillie/Jake Sweeney, 6-2. The Razorbacks responded with Božo Barun and Jared Horwood earning a 6-4 victory in the top spot over No. 10 Hoole/Samuel. The win for Barun/Horwood marks their first ranked victory together this season and second win of the weekend. The doubles point came down to court three as Melvin Manuel/Alan Sau Franco clinched the point for the Hogs after a 7-6 (3) victory against Daryabeigi/Sarr.
South Carolina struck first in singles play with No. 49 Samuel defeating Barun, 6-2, 6-2, in the top spot while No. 96 Hoole claimed a straight-set victory over Gerard Planelles Ripoll at the No. 2 position. Arkansas answered with a win on court six to tie the match, as Karlo Kajin took down Morgan, 6-1, 6-2, to earn his fifth straight victory.
The Gamecocks regained the lead following a three-set win from Sarr against Stefanos Savva at the No. 4 position. The Razorbacks evened the score again after a victory on court five, as Benedikt Emesz bested Daryabeigi, 7-6 (9), 6-2. The match came down to court three, where Manuel faced James Story. Manuel took the first set 7-5 while Story fought back to win the second set 6-3, forcing a winner-take-all third set. In the final set, Story came back late en route to a 6-3 victory, securing the match for South Carolina.
The Hogs continue their season in Oxford, Miss., as they travel to face Ole Miss and Mississippi Valley State on Friday, March 15.
For the latest information on all things Arkansas Men’s Tennis, follow the Hogs on social media by liking us on Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Men’s Tennis) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@RazorbackMTEN).