Opening the fall season, the FGCU men’s tennis team advanced two singles players into the 2016 Bedford Cup. This event brings all Division I Florida tennis programs together to feature the best of the state.
The weekend was highlighted by rookie Mateo Ruiz and veteran Sam Chaffin, both of whom advanced to the singles draw for the Eagles.
In the main draw of the B Flight, Ruiz made it all the way to the semifinals after defeating Stetson’s John Horoz 6-0, 6-0 and FAU’s Christian Haushammer 7-6, 1-6 and 10-7.
Unfortunately, Ruiz dropped the semifinal match to the No. 1 player in the flight, UNF’s Lasse Muscheites, with scores favoring Muscheites (6-2, 2-6, 10-7).
Chaffin advanced to the quarterfinals after overcoming an early loss against Stetson’s Pierre-Emanuel Fossier 6-2, 7-5. In the consolation bracket round of 16, Chaffin defeated Pablo Lopez 7-6, 3-6, and 10-5.
However after making it to the quarterfinals, Chaffin ended up dropping the final match to Florida A&M’s, Walner Espinoza (7-6, 6-2).
The season continues for FGCU with the San Diego State Invite from Oct. 7 through Oct. 9.