Agate

ELON, N.C. – Behind strong singles play at every position, the Elon University men’s tennis team claimed a 6-1 victory over the Winthrop Eagles on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 24, at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.
 
The Phoenix rallied from dropping the doubles point to fall behind early, taking all six singles matches to secure the home win.
 
“I thought we responded well today after doubles and really competed in every spot in singles,” said Elon head coach Michael Leonard. “We still have to get better and improve and today is a win we can build upon moving forward. We’re excited about opening up Southern Conference play here at home against The Citadel in a week.”
 
Jordan Kaufman clinched the match win for the maroon and gold at No. 4 singles, battling Yuta Hirokawa to a 7-6, 6-1, victory in straight sets to give the Phoenix a 4-1 lead.
 
Stefan Fortmann was the first to finish for Elon after quickly dispatching Winthrop’s Peter Nagovnak in straight sets. Fortmann won the first set, 6-0, and took the second in impression fashion, 6-1. Fortmann improves to 3-2 on the year with the victory.
 
Cameron Silverman, ranked 28th in the nation in the recent ITA singles rankings, was second in line to finish for the Phoenix. Silverman topped Dylan Comerford, 6-3, in the first set and carried the momentum into the second for a 6-0 win. In doubles, Silverman and Fortmann, ranked No. 23 in the nation, claimed an 8-6 win to improve to 3-2.
 
Robert Lindgren won in straight sets at No. 3 singles versus Ivar Aramburu, 6-3, 6-3, to help Elon to a 3-1 lead.
 
Folllowing Kaufman’s match-clinching victory over Hirokawa, Brian Kowalski and Juan Madrid both finished the match in impressive fashion with wins over Juan Pablo Boada and Michael Chen to help secure the singles sweep. Kowalski won in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6, while Madrid claimed a three-set win, 6-2, 5-7, 10-6.
 
The Phoenix returns home on Sunday, March 3, for its Southern Conference opener versus The Citadel at 1 p.m.