April 3, 2005

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Old Dominion men's tennis team captured a huge upset on Sunday afternoon at Center Court Racket Club in Newport News as the Monarchs defeated #35 Virginia Commonwealth, 4-1, for the first win over the Rams' men's tennis team since the 1989-90 season.

The victory improve the men's team to 11-10 on the year as they faced their 10th nationally ranked opponent of the year.

Among the highlights in the win was #29 Izak van der Merwe (Kempton Park, South Africa) defeating #11 Arnaud Lecloerec at No. 1 singles in three sets. After van der Merwe won the first set, 6-3, Leclorec came back to tie the match with a 6-2 second set victory. Van der Merwe went on to take the match with a 7-6 third set.

The win for the Monarchs' top singles player improved van der Merwe record to 22-9 overall and 13-5 in dual meets this spring season.

Eidy Igarashi (São José do Rio Preto, Brazil) and Rodrigo Souza (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) each captured straight set victories in their respective singles matches. Igarashi, playing at No. 3 singles, defeated the Rams' Sergi Arumi, 7-6, 6-3, while Souza, at No. 5 singles, took home a 7-5, 6-4 win over Daniel Lohff.

Wrapping up the Monarch wins was Juliano Cirimbelli (Balneário Camboriú, Brazil) with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 win at No. 6 singles against Damien Lacombe.

The Rams' lone victory came from Marton Ott at No. 2 singles with a 6-0, 6-3 match against the Monarchs' Henrique Cancado (Belo Horizonte, Brazil).

The Old Dominion men's tennis team returns to action on Wednesday at William & Mary.

Singles:
No. 1 #29 Izak van der Merwe (ODU) d. #11 Arnaud Lecloerec (VCU) 6-3,2-6,7-6
No. 2 Marton Ott (VCU) d. Henrique Cancado (ODU) 6-0,6-3
No. 3 Eidy Igarashi (ODU) d. Sergi Arumi (VCU) 7-6,6-3
No. 4 Adraino Mello (ODU) vs. Francesc Lleal (VCU) 2-6,7-6,3-2 suspended
No. 5 Rodrigo Souza (ODU) d. Daniel Lohff (VCU) 7-5,6-4
No. 6 Juliano Cirimbelli (ODU) d. Damien Lacombe (VCU) 6-4,4-6,6-0