The Virginia men's tennis team survived a scare this afternoon at the hands of #6 Texas before ultimately prevailing 5-2. The final score was deceiving; the Cavaliers were swept in all three doubles matches, and lost the first set of four singles matches before rallying:
The Cavaliers began their rally at No. 1 singles, where Michael Shabaz (Fairfax, Va.) cruised past Ed Corrie 6-1, 6-2 to tie the match at 1-1. Drew Courtney (Clifton, Va.) gave Virginia the lead, 2-1, as he completed a 7-6, 6-2 win over Vasko Mladenov at No. 4. Sanam Singh (Chandigarh, India) extended the lead to 3-1 as he came back for a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 3 over Jean Andersen. Texas closed to 3-2 with Kellen Damico's 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win at No. 2 over Jarmere Jenkins (College Park, Ga.). Julen Uriguen (Guatemala City, Guatemala) clinched the victory was his 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over Daniel Whitehead at the No. 5 spot. Justin Shane (Falls Church, Va.) completed the comeback with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win at No. 6 over David Holiner.
Virginia remains unbeaten at 18-0. More importantly, the guys showed a resilience against a very good team that will serve them well down the stretch.
Next match: on the road -- again -- against ACC foe Miami.