The Loyola University New Orleans Men's and Women's Tennis teams took on crosstown rival University of New Orleans (UNO) on Friday afternoon. The tennis team played very tough against the Division I opponent, but did not win a match.
On the men's side, Jr. Steven Le (Tustin, Calif./Irvine Valley) played against UNO's top player in singles competition. He was very effective against the strong serve and fell in a tough first set, 6-4. He lost the match after losing the second set 6-0.
Jr. Maxim Remeau (Irvine Valley) faced off against UNO's number two player and showed a great forehand, but fell in consecutive sets, 6-1 and 6-4.
Fr. Sean Presti (Lesigny, France/Morningside Academy) captured two sets against his opponent, but fell in consecutive sets 6-2 and 6-0.
So. Ernesto de Diego (Panama City, Panama/International School of Panama) and Jr. Federico Mercado (Miami, Fla./Coral Gables) took multiple sets against their opponents, but lost the matches.
In the final singles competition, Fr. George Fourmaux (Hammond, La./Hammond High Magnet) fell in straight sets 6-0.
Le also competed with de Diego in doubles competition, once again facing UNO's top pair. They played well together before falling 6-3.
Remeau and Presti teamed up and although the complemented each other very well, their match went unfinished with them trailing 4-3. In the final doubles match for the men, Sr. David Mayhall (Mobile, Ala./St. Paul's Episcopal) and Mercado fell 6-1.
On the women's side, Jr. Lauren Rosales (San Antonio, Texas/Incarnate Word) impressed her coaches and teammates. She took two sets from her opponent, but eventually lost the match in straight sets.
Fr. Margaret Adams (Fairhope, Ala./Fairhope) faced off against UNO's top competitor and played a very strong match, but was unable to capture a set.
Jr. Alexa Mancuso (Leawood, Kan./Saint James) showed a strong return game for the Wolf Pack. Facing the No. 2 player for UNO, Mancusoreturned her opponents strong serve efficiently. However, she fell 6-0 in both sets and was unable to capture the match.
In doubles competition, Adams and Mancuso collaborated against the top pair for UNO. They lost the match, but showed a lot of promise for the upcoming season. Rosales and Sr. Wesley Dejoie (Detroit, Mich./University Liggett) also had a very good outing, but were unable to capture a victory.
The Wolf Pack hit the hardcourt again on Saturday morning. They will face another crosstown rival, Xavier University. Both of Xavier's programs finished last season ranked in the Top 10 of NAIA's DI Postseason rankings. The matches will take place at Xavier's home courts.
