Bucs now 2-2 vs. ranked opponents

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Feb. 15, 2013) – The No. 74 ETSU men’s tennis team began the home portion of the schedule at the Bristol Racquet Club late Friday morning, coming up with a big win, 4-0, against 60th-ranked Georgia State.

A day after ETSU (4-2) received its 2012 championship rings, senior Jesus Bandres (Caracas, Venezuela) delivered a championship-like performance. The 2012 A-Sun Tournament MVP was slated against the ITA’s 75th-ranked singles player in the top match, defeating Victor Valente in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) to seal the victory.

Bandres’ singles win moves his dual record to 3-2.

“The guys were solid today,” Director of ETSU Tennis Yaser Zaatini said. “We started out well in doubles and were able to carry that into singles. The guys fought hard, showed determination and played well enough to win.

“We had a great crowd to really cheer us on and give us a great home-court advantage. I want to thank everyone who showed up to support the guys.”

The Bucs seemed to put it all together in the home opener, beginning with victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles to capture the match’s first point. The win on court two was earned by senior Juan Ramirez (Asuncion, Paraguay) and junior Jorge Varon (Valencia, Venezuela) – ranked seventh in the Ohio Valley region – defeating Robert Schulze and Sofiane Chevallier, 8-6.

Sophomore Rogerio Ribeiro (Sao Paulo, Brazil) grabbed the first singles point, convincingly beating regionally ranked Panther Lucas Santa Ana, 6-0, 6-3. Ramirez then came back from a set down to beat Schulze, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, before Bandres gave ETSU its second win of the season against a nationally ranked team.

The Bucs are back in action in Bristol tomorrow, taking on Nebraska at 3:30 p.m.

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For more information on ETSU men’s tennis, please visit www.ETSUBucs.com.