The Appalachian State tennis team secured a strong victory against VCU with a final score of 5-2. The freshmen and seasoned players contributed significantly to the win, showcasing impressive performances both in doubles and singles matches. The Mountaineers took an early lead by dominating the doubles rounds and maintained their momentum through the singles competition despite VCU's efforts to catch up. Key victories came from freshman Alexi Cleveland and other standout players who clinched crucial points for the team.

Mountaineers Dominate Doubles Matches

In the opening round of the match, the Appalachian State team demonstrated exceptional teamwork and coordination in the doubles segment. They quickly established control over the game by winning all three doubles matches, securing the doubles point and setting a positive tone for the rest of the competition. This strategic advantage provided the Mountaineers with an early lead that they would build upon throughout the match.

The duo of Isabela Romanichen and Taya Powell excelled in their performance, sweeping their opponents with a decisive 6-0 victory. Their flawless execution set the stage for further success. Meanwhile, Savannah Dada-Mascoll and Olwyn Ryan-Bovey faced initial challenges but managed to turn things around, ultimately defeating their opponents 7-5. These victories in the doubles matches not only boosted the team's morale but also laid the foundation for their overall success in the match.

Singles Play Secures Victory

Moving into the singles matches, the Mountaineers continued their impressive form, extending their lead and solidifying their position against the Rams. Players like Dada-Mascoll and Romanichen delivered quick and dominant wins in their respective matches, ensuring that the team maintained its momentum. However, VCU showed resilience, managing to win two matches after falling behind initially.

Freshman Alexi Cleveland played a pivotal role in sealing the victory for the Mountaineers. After both teams traded wins in the first sets, Cleveland emerged victorious in the second set, contributing a critical point to the team's total. Additionally, Naledi Manyube added another point with a hard-fought win in a tiebreaker scenario. These individual triumphs highlighted the depth and strength of the Appalachian State tennis team, culminating in a convincing 5-2 win over VCU in their season opener.