Box ScoreMOREHEAD, Ky.—Senior
Gabriel Ruiz added his third singles win in his last four matches as he helped Morehead State men's tennis to back-to-back OVC wins, picking up a 4-2 victory over Austin Peay on Saturday at the EAGLE Center indoor courts.
After finishing 1-6 in non-conference play, the Eagles have gone 2-0 in OVC play, moving their record to 3-6. Austin Peay remains winless on the year, putting its record at 0-8.
"These guys played strong today, especially after dropping a doubles point that I felt like we didn't play our best on," said Head Coach
Kevin Fulton.
Ruiz notched his singles win against Almantas Ozelis in straight sets 6-1,7-6. Earlier in the day, he teamed up with junior Ritchie Krunnenberg, and the tandem claimed their fifth win of the season with 6-3 victory over Aaron Jumonville and Manuel Montenegro. Ruiz and Krunnenberg are 5-2 in doubles competition this season and have won three of their last four matches.
Krunnenberg followed in the footsteps of his doubles partner, winning in straight sets (7-6, 6-3) against Jumonville. Senior
Nick Mercer improved his OVC singles record to 2-0, taking down Aleh Drobysh, 6-1, 6-0.
"Ritchie has really stepped up his mental approach to playing," said Fulton. "Gabriel is playing on a different level right now, but the MVP of the day was
Nick Mercer. He brought so much energy and played at such a high level it propelled us to victory. I'm looking forward to getting ready for the week ahead.
The Eagles will look towards Friday and Saturday as they go on the road to Nashville, Tenn., taking on Tennessee State and Belmont.
