The Longwood men’s tennis team kicked off their 2025 season with a challenging match against Virginia Tech. Despite the strong efforts of junior Timéo Puech, who secured the only point for Longwood, the team suffered a 6-1 defeat. The Hokies showcased their dominance in both doubles and singles play, winning key matches decisively. Longwood will look to bounce back as they prepare for their next match at James Madison on January 25th.

Timéo Puech Shines Amidst Setback

In a closely contested match, Timéo Puech emerged as the standout player for Longwood. Competing in the No. 1 singles position, Puech displayed remarkable resilience and skill, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory over his opponent. This win not only earned Longwood its sole point but also highlighted Puech's leadership and determination on the court. His performance was particularly commendable given the overall outcome of the match.

Puech's triumph came after an initial struggle, where he lost the first set 2-6. However, he quickly regrouped and mounted a strong comeback, winning the subsequent sets 6-2, 6-4, and clinching the match with a decisive 10-8 in the tiebreaker. This victory marked his tenth singles win of the season, solidifying his position as one of the team's top performers. Puech's ability to turn the tide under pressure is a testament to his experience and mental fortitude, qualities that will be crucial for Longwood's future matches.

Virginia Tech Dominates Doubles and Singles Play

The Hokies demonstrated their prowess in both doubles and singles play, effectively outplaying Longwood in most encounters. Virginia Tech secured the doubles point early in the match, setting the tone for the rest of the competition. Their strategic play and teamwork were evident in the decisive victories on multiple courts.

In doubles action, the Hokies' pairs of Diego Cueto and Eyal Shumilov, along with Victor Kimpel and Scott Sculley, dominated their respective matches. Cueto and Shumilov prevailed 6-1 over Ian Perl and Gary Huang, while Kimpel and Sculley secured a 6-2 win against Mauricio Gonzalez Paiva. In singles play, Virginia Tech continued their dominance with Cueto defeating Huang 6-0, 6-1, and Julian Lozano overpowering Gonzalez Paiva 6-0, 6-2. The match was sealed by Shumilov's 6-3, 6-1 victory over Lindquist, before Puech's three-set win brought some relief to Longwood. Additional wins by Kimpel and Damian Sancilio further underscored the Hokies' superiority on the day.