Late wins push Eagles past Lions

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Tennis (6-14, 2-6 Horizon) took down a pair of Lindenwood University Lions late in singles play to score the 4-3 win at the USI Tennis Courts Saturday afternoon. The Screaming Eagles are competing in their final home matches of the season.  
 
Doubles: USI rolled through doubles competition to secure the Eagles’ first point. Senior Yahor Bahdanovich (Minsk, Belarus)/freshman Alfrendo Vogelaar (Den Haag, Netherlands) duo captured the 6-3 win at number two before sophomore Quinten Gillespie (Whiteland, Indiana)/junior Ruben Emmerson-Hiini (Auckland, New Zealand) combination tallied a 6-2 victory.
 
Singles: The Eagles pick up a trio of singles wins to rob the Lions of the conference win. Freshman Omar ElSamahy (Cairo, Egypt) kicked off singles play with a 6-2, 6-1 win at number two until Lindenwood fired back with back-to-back victories to tie the match. Gillespie cut the Lions’ run short by defeating his opponent at number six (6-0, 6-3). Issuing the match-winning point was Emmerson-Hiini who took down his opponent 6-3, 6-4 at number four.
 
NEXT UP FOR THE EAGLES:
The Eagles complete the 2022-23 campaign when they host Eastern Illinois University tomorrow at noon at the USI Tennis Courts for Senior Day. Seniors Lucas Sakamaki (Louisville, Kentucky) and Bahdanovich will be honored after the match.