Feb. 3, 2003

(Moraga, CA) - USF men's tennis won a hard fought 4-3 victory against Saint Mary's at the Timothy Korth Tennis Complex Monday. With the win the Dons (4-3) earn their second consecutive victory against their West Coast Conference and Bay Area rival.

USF swept the doubles point in three long matches. The intensity would continue in singles play where all but one match went to three sets. Joachim Lien fought back after losing the first set for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory at number one for the Dons. Pablo Pires De Almeida cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 victory at number three, while Axel Elvik captured a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 win at number six.

San Francisco newcomer Romain Van Rillas was slowed by an injury in the third set of his contest, falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

USF returns to action when they host Hawaii, Friday Feb. 7 at the Olympic Club. Match time against the Rainbow Warriors is scheduled for 2:00 PM.

USF 4, at Saint Mary's 3

DOUBLES
1. Lien/Fuller (USF) def.
Lopez/Maerchal (SMC) 8-5
2. Lippert/Elvik (USF) def.
Burgemeister/Whitlinger (SMC) 9-7
3. Arnesen/Pires De Almeida (USF) def.
Lachens/Sion (SMC) 9-8 (7-5)

SINGLES
1. Joachim Lien (USF) def. Thomas Burgemeister (SMC) 4-6, 7-5, 6-1
2. Rafael Lopez (SMC) def. Jorgen Arnesen (USF) 7-5, 2-6, 6-2
3. Pablo Pires De Almeida (USF) def. Romain Lachens (SMC) 6-3, 6-0
4. Martin Marechal (SMC) def. Mason Fuller (USF) 4-6, 7-6, (9-7), 6-4
5. Andre Sion (SMC) def. Romain Van Rillas (USF) 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
6. Axel Elvik (USF) def. J.J. Whitlinger (SMC) 6-2, 2-6, 6-3