Gamecocks Claim Road Win at Arkansas
Fayetteville, Ark. – No. 24 South Carolina men’s tennis came out victorious in a close match against No. 45 Arkansas on Sunday afternoon to secure its first SEC win of the season. The Gamecocks dropped the doubles point but were able to take the match in singles with victories on the top four courts to win it 4-3.
In doubles, the team started strong with James Story and Lucas da Silva claiming a 6-2 win at the No. 2 position but the Gamecocks No. 1 pair and tenth-ranked Toby Samuel and Casey Hoole fell 4-6 to even the decision. The point was in the hands of the freshmen with Jelani Sarr and Sean Daryabeigi in a tiebreak at the No. 3 position. The duo was bested 7-3 in the breaker, giving the Razorbacks the doubles point.
In singles play, Samuel and Hoole were quick to get the lead for the Gamecocks with No. 49 Samuel winning his match 6-2, 6-2 from the No. 1 position and No. 96 Hoole winning his match 6-1, 6-1 from the No. 2 position,
The Razorbacks claimed the next singles point on Court 6 to tie things at 2-2 but Sarr shortly after claimed another point for the Gamecocks, coming out on the right side of a three setter 7-5, 3-6, 6-1.
The Razorbacks again tied things up with a win on Court 5, leaving the match decision at Court 3 where Story was battling from behind.
The senior gave up his first set 5-7 but battled back to take his second 6-3. The final set was even but Story was able to claim a late break to go ahead 5-4 and serve the match out with a 6-4 final set.
The men’s tennis team will continue action on the road next, making stops at Alabama and Auburn this Friday and Sunday.
For all the latest South Carolina men’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockMTennis).
(24) South Carolina 4, (45) Arkansas 3
Doubles (order of finish: 2, 1, 3)
1. Bozo Barun/Jared Horwood (ARKM) def. #10 Toby Samuel/Casey Hoole (SC) 6-4
2. James Story/Lucas da Silva (SC) def. Connor Smillie/Jake Sweeney (ARKM) 6-2
3. Melvin Manuel/Alan Sau Franco (ARKM) def. Sean Daryabeigi/Jelani Sarr (SC) 7-6 (7-3)
Singles (order of finish: 1, 2, 6, 4, 5, 3)
1. #49 Toby Samuel (SC) def. Bozo Barun (ARKM) 6-2, 6-2
2. #96 Casey Hoole (SC) def. Gerard Planelles (ARKM) 6-1, 6-1
3. James Story (SC) def. Melvin Manuel (ARKM) 5-7, 6-3, 6-4
4. Jelani Sarr (SC) def. Stefanos Savva (ARKM) 7-5, 3-6, 6-1
5. Benedikt Emesz (ARKM) def. Sean Daryabeigi (SC) 7-6 (11-9), 6-2
6. Karlo Kajin (ARKM) def. Carter Morgan (SC) 6-1, 6-2
