In a challenging doubleheader at the Aztec Tennis Center, the UC San Diego Tritons men’s tennis team faced off against San Diego State. Despite losing both matches, the Tritons showcased resilience and competitive spirit throughout the day. The team’s determination was particularly evident in their doubles play, where they secured a crucial point in the second match.

The first encounter saw the Tritons falling short 4-1 to the home side. Sophomore Carson Lee emerged as a standout player, securing a hard-fought singles victory at the No. 1 position. After dropping the initial set, Lee rebounded strongly to win the next two sets convincingly. Other notable performances came from Robert Freedman, Zach Pellouchoud, and Pelayo Rodriguez, who all battled into third-set territory in their respective matches. Unfortunately, interruptions prevented some matches from reaching completion.

In the second match of the day, the Tritons demonstrated significant improvement, especially in doubles play. Lee and Diogo Tinoco delivered an impressive 6-2 victory at No. 2 doubles, while Pellouchoud and Rodriguez clinched a hard-fought 7-5 win at No. 1 doubles. This success allowed the Tritons to claim the doubles point. In singles action, Pellouchoud maintained his momentum with victories in both sets at No. 3 singles, while Freedman also put up a strong performance on court five.

Head coach Timmer Willing acknowledged the team's growth over the course of the long day. “We played better as the day went on,” he noted. “The guys competed well, and we made adjustments that paid off in the second match. With everyone working together, we can secure more wins moving forward.”

Beyond the matches, the Tritons welcomed freshmen David Adamson and Robert Freedman, both hailing from San Diego, to their lineup. Carson Lee continued his role at the top singles spot, while Pellouchoud and Rodriguez, recognized for their doubles achievements last season, returned to their successful partnership. Looking ahead, the Tritons are set to host Point Loma at Northview Tennis Courts on Friday, January 17, marking their home opener for the 2025 season.

The UC San Diego athletics program has consistently exemplified excellence in both academics and sports. As they transition to NCAA Division I, the Tritons continue to uphold the academic ideals of one of the world’s leading institutions, graduating scholar-athletes at an impressive rate. The team's dedication and competitive spirit will undoubtedly drive them toward future successes.