The Chattanooga Mocs broke through with its first win of the spring today.  The men's tennis team shut out Murray State 7-0 in Memphis, Tenn., this afternoon.  UTC won all nine matches to improve to 1-5 on the year. 

The Mocs played a tough early schedule that included two ranked teams.  UTC used some of that experience today to score a big win over a regional foe.  Murray State remained winless at 0-4.    

“We are on the board,” stated head coach Carlos Garcia.  “We were hungry for this one.  We have been playing better and it was nice to get the win.  Hopefully, it is a sign of better things to come as we move on with the season.” 

Chattanooga jumped out to a 1-0 lead after sweeping the doubles matches.  It was the third time this season Chattanooga took an early advantage after winning doubles. 

Senior Pavels Grigorjevs put Chattanooga up 2-0 with a quick (6-0, 6-1) win over Aleks Mitric at No. 2.  Junior Nick Wingord followed with a (6-4, 6-1) win over Max McLean at No. 1. 

Junior Gino Delavalle clinched the team win with his (6-0, 6-0) shutout against Srdjan Trosic at No. 4.  The one tough match of the day came at No. 3.  Junior Luke Saunders needed three sets to put away Will True (6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4)). 

Sophomore Derrick Brown won in straight sets at No. 5.  Freshman Michael Birnbaum played a pro set against Anjan Kashyab at No. 6 since the outcome was already decided.  He won that one 8-6. 

The Mocs are back home next weekend, hosting Jacksonville State and Tennessee Tech.  UTC faces the Gamecocks on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) and the Golden Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hixson Racquet Club.  Be sure to check the men's tennis schedule page on GoMocs.com for links to live scoring. 

Chattanooga 7, Murray State 0
Jan 31, 2015 at Memphis, Tenn. (Racquet Club of Memphis)
Doubles competition
1. Derrick Brown/Pavels Grigorjevs (UTC) def. David Hess/Max McLean (MSU) 6-4
2. Nick Wingord/Luke Saunders (UTC) def. Srdjan Trosic/Will True (MSU) 6-1
3. Michael Birnbaum/Gino Delavalle (UTC) def. Anjan Kashyab/Aleks Mitric (MSU) 6-4

Singles competition
1. Nick Wingord (UTC) def. Max McLean (MSU) 6-4, 6-1
2. Pavels Grigorjevs (UTC) def. Aleks Mitric (MSU) 6-0, 6-1
3. Luke Saunders (UTC) def. Will True (MSU) 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4)
4. Gino Delavalle (UTC) def. Srdjan Trosic (MSU) 6-0, 6-0
5. Derrick Brown (UTC) def. David Hess (MSU) 6-4, 6-1
6. Michael Birnbaum (UTC) def. Anjan Kashyab (MSU) 8-6