Golden Eagle tennis welcomes Radford for Tuesday’s 2023 home match

By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For the first time this spring, the Tennessee Tech tennis team will take center stage in Cookeville as the Golden Eagles make their 2023 home debut Tuesday afternoon against Radford. First serve with the Highlanders is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT, and admission to the Tech Tennis Courts is free.

A look at Tennessee Tech

Tuesday’s tilt with Radford marks Tech’s second attempt at a home game since its originally scheduled March 3 Cookeville debut against Kennesaw State was postponed due to inclement weather. After the layoff, the Golden Eagles (0-9) took aim in their ninth straight road contest to start the year, falling at ETSU 6-1 on Sunday.

In Tech’s battle with the Bucs, the Golden Eagles had to drop two singles matches and a doubles match with only four TTU players. Elias Grubert picked up Tech’s lone point with a solo win at No. 1 in the team-leading second singles nod of the spring. Pol Masafret and Mika Berguas won the singles match, helping Masafret’s tandem bow slate rise above .500 at 2-1.

Tech’s first home game comes on the heels of a tough road schedule that has featured four games against nationally ranked opponents. The Golden Eagles played No. 6 Tennessee twice, along with No. 14 Wake Forest and No. 20 Mississippi State.

A look at Radford

The Highlanders (3-4) arrive in Cookeville after a long layoff that hasn’t seen Radford compete since Feb. 18 in a 4-0 win at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The Highlanders’ final two were postponed because of games against Delaware on the 19th. February and against William & Mary on the 3rd. March was not played.

Along with the win over Corpus Christi, Radford also has a 4-0 nod over Abilene Christian on Feb. 17 and a 5-2 win over UNC Greensboro on Feb. 7, accounting for the club’s three wins. Demis Taramonlis leads the team with three singles wins and is competing exclusively for the No. 1 spot, where he has a 3-3 overall record. Veria, Macedonia, Greece and Konstantinos Raptis have combined to form Radford’s top doubles duo behind a 3-2 record, all ranked No. 1.

Within the series

Tuesday’s fight is the eighth in the all-time series. Radford holds a 5-2 advantage in the series, which includes ending Tech’s two-game winning streak last season behind a 6-1 victory at Radford on March 5.