In a closely contested match, the UC Davis men’s tennis team faced an early setback as they lost 5-2 to Denver University in their season opener. Despite showing resilience and securing two singles victories, the Aggies struggled to maintain momentum, particularly in crucial final sets. The match highlighted both the strengths and areas for improvement for UC Davis as they prepare for their next competition.

The contest began with doubles play, where Denver quickly established control by capturing the doubles point. The Aggies' duo of Eduardo Gonzalez and Sam De Vries were the first to conclude their match but couldn't secure a win. Similarly, Kaveh Taheri and Lucas Bollinger also fell short against their opponents. The third pair, consisting of Ryan Torres and Ivan Savkin, saw their match abandoned before completion.

Moving into singles play, the Aggies faced continued challenges. Ryan Torres was the first to finish his match, losing in straight sets. However, junior Lucas Bollinger managed to turn things around in a thrilling three-set victory, providing a much-needed boost for the team. Unfortunately, this momentum didn’t last, as three more Aggies succumbed to defeat in quick succession. Eduardo Gonzalez, Kaveh Taheri, and Ivan Savkin all lost in two sets. Senior Sam De Vries, however, ended on a high note, securing a hard-fought win in two sets.

The outcome underscores the competitive nature of collegiate tennis and highlights the need for consistent performance across all matches. Looking ahead, the UC Davis men’s tennis team will look to build on their successes and address areas that require improvement. Their next challenge comes soon as they face the Montana State Bobcats on January 18th at 10 a.m. PST. Fans and supporters will be eager to see how the team adapts and performs in this upcoming match.