MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Lee men's tennis team made program history on Thursday afternoon as it claimed the first Gulf South Conference Tournament victory in school history, beating Montevallo, 4-1 in quarterfinal action from Lagoon Park.
The Flames stormed out of the gate and earned the doubles point thanks to a 6-4 victory by Jake Okines and Bruno Medeiros over Dahlin and Bloomer at No. 1 doubles. Jesus Garcia and Cristian Pons sealed the point with a 6-3 victory at No. 2 doubles allowing the third doubles match between Daniel Prata and Antonio Pons and Van Buggenhout and Ludiage to go unfinished.
In singles it was freshman Jesus Garcia who punched Lee's ticket to the semifinals with a beautiful back hand winner right down the line to take No .2 singles, 6-2, 6-4 over Dahlin.
"It was such a special moment to hit that winner and celebrate with my teammates," said Garcia. "The boys are so supportive and we really pull for one another out there and help one another. My opponent was tough and we knew it was going to be a battle like it was in the regular season and I'm just really thankful we were able to get this win. I love playing for this tema and playing for Coach Hynes and Coach (Alejandro) Bejar."
Cristian Pons earned another point for the Flames at No. 4 singles defeating Del Val in straight sets (6-1, 6-2). Prata, the vocal leader of the team, had a lot to celebrate as he won his singles match, 6-3 and 6-1 over Salton.
"We battled all day. The four/five matchup is always a tough one. It's generally the longest match and evenly contested. It's been a couple of weeks since we played but the guys did a great job of coming out strong in doubles," said Lee head coach Patric Hynes. "Tough matches in singles but I think we did a better job on the big points against a very good opponent. Jesus was able to get the result in his match after losing to the same guy a few weeks ago and I think that just speaks to his spirit and the spirit of this team"
The Falcons would score their lone point of the match at No. 1 singles as Trompler topped Okines 6-0 6-2.
The Flames, ranked No. 47 in the latest ITA Poll improve to 17-5 overall and will now battle top-seeded and 16th-ranked Valdosta State in the GSC Semifinals on Friday at 2:30 p.m. EST. The Blazers made quick work of the eighth seeded Alabama Huntsville Chargers winning 4-0.
"We've always wanted to establish a tight-knit culture, a group that truly plays for each other and wants to get better. The guys really do care about each other, not just as players but as people. They don't let each other slide on the practice court and they really get after and help one another and I think you see that translate on match days. I'm so proud of them and excited to get another chance to compete tomorrow," concluded Hynes.
