GREENSBORO – Going into Sunday's match against Shaw University Bears, the North Carolina A&T men's tennis team had played four matches and 24 singles competitions without losing a match or a set. The Aggies are still perfect when playing team matches as they improved to 5-0 with a 7-0 win over the Bears at the Piedmont Indoor Tennis Center.
However, the Aggies did lose a set on Sunday, ending a streak of 27 straight singles matches without losing a set. The Aggies still looked dominant as they remained undefeated in singles competitions even though the afternoon started with doubles play.
Said Akbarov and sophomore Ian Pedersen teamed to defeat Lorenzo Martinetti and Paul Charvoz 6-3 before Esteban Lopez and Lucas Coupo-Moison defeated Eduardo Valenca and Augustin Gastaldi 6-2. There was a default at No. 3 doubles, helping the Aggies secure the doubles point easily.
When singles play started, the Aggies turned to Coupo-Moison at No. 2 singles. Out of all the dominating to the start the season, Coupo-Moison has stood out among the greatness. He had another straight-set win on Sunday, taking out Gastaldi, 6-0, 6-0. "I was determined to do well before the start of spring break," said Coupo-Moison. "And so it was. I took every opportunity and applied what I do best in my game."
Coupo-Moison's doubles partner, Lopez, won at No. 1 singles. He defeated Martinetti 6-2, 6-2. Lopez is closing in on 40 career singles wins as he won his 36th career singles match with the win on Sunday. The match clincher came at No. 4 singles as Kaua Santos defeated Charvoz 6-3, 6-1. Even though the Aggies had the match won with Santos's win, there was still an exciting match at No. 5 singles.
Akbarov faced Scott Ndengoue and swept through the first set 6-0. But Ndengoue battled back in the second set and defeated Akbarov 6-4, marking the first time an Aggie has lost a set this season. It did not sit well with Akbarov as he returned to form to win the third set 6-1. Ian Pedersen also won at No. 3 singles, beating Valenca 6-2 and 6-3.
"I am pleased about today's performance from the team," said Coupo-Moison. "We end the week on a positive note. Now, we need to get back to practice to prepare for the next matches."
