One year after making history, the FGCU men’s tennis team repeated it in a 4-3 win over Stetson on Saturday to secure a second-straight A-Sun regular season crown. Celebrating Senior Night against the only other undefeated team in the Atlantic Sun, the Eagles triumphed over the Hatters and finished the regular season 16-5 and 6-0 in the Atlantic Sun while Stetson falls to 12-8 overall and 4-1 in the A-Sun.
With the top-seed secured, the Eagles now await their competition in the semifinals of the A-Sun Championships. FGCU begins play in Spartanburg, S.C., on Saturday, April 23.
“Today was a special day for the seniors,” said head coach CJ Weber. “I’m really happy we got to honor their time and commitment to the entire FGCU family, and I couldn’t be more thankful for their everyday pursuit of success. Getting the win made the day that much more special and winning the regular season championship doesn’t hurt either.”
On a day commemorating years of dedication, the senior pairing of Ricky Ventura and Lucas Vaz were the first to celebrate a doubles win, defeating Simon Julin and Coilin MacNamara 6-2 at No. 2 doubles. With Andres Alfonzo and Ezequiel Cerrini leading 4-3 at No. 1, senior Eduardo Alfonzo and freshman Javier Fernandez secured the doubles point with a 6-3 win over Graham Ball and Pierre Fossier at No. 3.
“I’m sad today was my last match at FGCU, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to play here,” Vaz said. “We have one of the best crowds and environments in the entire country. Now we have to focus on the conference tournament and be ready to protect another title.”
When action restarted, it was Ventura again to celebrate first. The senior, playing in front of his parents who had traveled from Barcelona, won his match at No. 2 6-1, 6-4 over Laurynas Antropikas to give FGCU a 2-0 lead. Andres Alfonzo then secured his match 6-2, 6-3 at No. 1 over Loic Blanco, putting FGCU on the brink of victory.
“I’ve been looking forward to today’s match,” Ventura said. “Today was more than Senior Day. We won the regular season championship and my parents could come from Barcelona to see me play. I’m really proud of my teammates because of all the effort they put in on a daily basis. Now it’s time to get ready for the Atlantic Sun Tournament.”
The elder Alfonzo, Eduardo, faced a tough match at No. 4 against Ball, dropping the first set 6-3. Ball defeated Alfonzo 6-0 in the second, cutting FGCU’s lead to 3-1.
“I have no words to describe my experience at FGCU; it’s way better than I could have ever dreamed,” Alfonzo said. “These courts will always have a very special place in my heart, and I will have unforgettable memories of wearing that Eagle on my chest while competing. Winning a conference championship on Senior Day is something that only a few get the privilege to do. I’m very proud of the team and we will continue to work hard to achieve all of our goals. This is only a step in the right direction.”