Singles play sets tone for Flames win

Isaac Lloveras contributed to the Flames’ win. Photo: Steve Woltmann

“We had a strong doubles effort by all three teams, setting the tone for singles play,” said head coach Hans Neufeld.

Alexander Raa started singles competition strong in the No. 1 position, defeating Sven Kranz, 6-2, 6-3. Carl Hedstrom competed in the No. 2 spot, but fell short to Deepak Sabada, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6).

Isaac Lloveras beat Brian Sun at No. 3 in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

Christopher Cole was strong in the No. 4 position, defeating Ankur Bhargava, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

At No. 5, Eric Pontow pushed his match to three, but ultimately lost to Max Hawkins, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. Nicolas Aguirre couldn’t come away with a win in the No. 6 position, pushing his match with Gordon Zhang to three but losing, 5-7, 7-5, 1-0 (10-7).

The Flames were 2-1 during doubles play.

Cole and Lloveras teamed up at No. 2 to defeat Hawkins and Bhargava, 8-6. Raa and Nate Campanile competed at No. 3 to down Zsolt Szabo and Sun, 8-6. Hedstrom and Maurizio Feoli competed in the No. 1 spot and fell to Sabada and Kranz, 8-7.

The team competes next versus Bradley Sunday, at the Clubs at River City-North. Competition is set to start at 5 p.m.