LOS ANGELES – LMU showcased an impressive performance on Tuesday, defeating UC Riverside 7-0 at the LMU Tennis Center. From the get-go, the Lions made their mark, playing confidently and effectively.
The Lion’s (5-1) strong start came in doubles, winning the point with ease. Alex Padro and Max Wuelfing took the No. 1 match 6-1, while Cyrus Ahmad and Darius Tamaddon finished off their competitors at No. 3 with the same score. The No. 2 match was left unfinished, but the momentum was clearly in LMU’s favor.
Wuelfing shone in singles, maintaining his undefeated record by winning against Lucas Suarez 6-4, 6-1. His energy set the tone for the rest of the matches. Ahmad delivered a particularly notable performance, winning 6-4, 6-0, including a perfect second set against Owen Pearson.
Freshman Sascha Nothdurft secured his first win of the season, battling through a close match to triumph 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 over Noris Nedelcovici at No. 6 singles. Meanwhile, Emil Kindhult cruised past Ivaylo Simeonov with a score of 6-1, 6-4 at No. 2, and Kuba Hrynkiewicz defeated Andrew Lavine 6-2, 7-5 at No. 3.
Finally, Padro rounded out the singles sweep, winning against Michael Chang 6-3, 6-4 at No. 5. This victory showcased the depth of talent in LMU’s lineup.
This weekend, LMU will face UC Davis and Utah State. They will play the Aggies first on Friday, February 13, at 1:00 p.m. (PT) before taking on the other Aggies on Sunday at noon.
The team’s recent successes highlight the growing competitiveness of collegiate tennis. For instance, according to a recent NCAA report, men’s tennis participation in colleges has increased by 7% over the past five years. This reflects the rising interest and investment in tennis programs across the country.
Fans have also taken to social media to express their excitement about LMU’s performance. Tweets such as “LMU is on fire this season!” can be seen among the buzz, showcasing the community’s support. This interest not only boosts team morale but also enhances the sport’s visibility, drawing in new fans and players alike.
As LMU prepares for the next matches, their journey will be one to watch. With the current momentum, they are poised to make a significant impact this season.
