CHATTANOOGA — The Chattanooga Mocs men's tennis team continued its historic journey in Southern Conference play with its seventh-straight victory after defeating Wofford 6-1 on a sunny Sunday afternoon on Senior Day at the UTC Tennis Center on campus.
 
Following the win, Chattanooga improves to 15-4 overall and remains perfect in SoCon action at 5-0. It marks the first time since 1989 UTC has carried a 5-0 or better SoCon record and allows for an opportunity to clinch the regular season crown next weekend. Wofford drops to 5-13 overall and 1-4 in the league after the defeat.
 
"Hats off to the Terriers, I thought Wofford competed and played very well," said head coach Chuck Merzbacher.
 
"Every match was tough and there were some clutch points out there. I could not be more proud of these kids playing two matches back-to-back against strong rivals and finding a way to get the job done."
 
Chattanooga claimed a 1-0 lead after doubles action was mostly back-and-forth between the two squads. After the Mocs dropped the first decision at No. 2, Simon Labbe and Peyton Gatti posted a 6-3 win at No. 1 before Gabriel Castillo and Cortland Grove clinched the team point with a 6-2 victory at No. 3.
 
"Once more – the doubles point was huge. They have three strong teams and we really dug deep," added Merzbacher.
 
Wofford tied the match 1-1 after posting a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 6 singles before UTC jumped back ahead 2-1 following Castillo's 6-4, 6-3 win at No. 3. The team lead pushed ahead to 3-1 after Ryan Mudre notched a 6-3, 6-4 decision at No. 5.
 
Gatti provided the match-clinching moment in thrilling fashion after fighting back for a 6-1, 1-6, 7-6 (7-5) victory at No. 4 to put the team ahead 4-1. It was the two seniors on Senior Day who provided the final two wins. Labbe earned a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 win at No. 2 while Hyatt capped things off with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win at the top spot.
 
"As for our seniors, Kerim and Simon, they played so well and they helped us make historical progress with this program. They are outstanding tennis players, but more importantly, they are outstanding teammates and wonderful leaders," Merzbacher concluded.
 
Chattanooga returns to action on Saturday, April 8, when it travels to Birmingham, Ala., to face Samford. First serve is set for 2 p.m. ET. Match coverage links, if available, will be located on the schedule page at GoMocs.com.
 
Chattanooga 6, Wofford 1
4/2/2023 at Chattanooga, Tenn. (UTC Tennis Center)
Singles competition
1. Kerim Hyatt (UTC) def. Ashe Ray (WOFM) 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
2. Simon Labbe (UTC) def. Robbie Young (WOFM) 6-2, 2-6, 6-3
3. Gabriel Castillo (UTC) def. Will Fullett (WOFM) 6-4, 6-3
4. Peyton Gatti (UTC) def. Alex Horn (WOFM) 6-1, 1-6, 7-6 (7-5)
5. Ryan Mudre (UTC) def. Max Graham (WOFM) 6-3, 6-4
6. Ian Rasheed (WOFM) def. Cortland Grove (UTC) 6-4, 6-2
 
Doubles competition
1. Simon Labbe/Peyton Gatti (UTC) def. Will Fullett/Ian Rasheed (WOFM) 6-3
2. Alex Horn/Robbie Young (WOFM) def. Kerim Hyatt/Kristof Kincses (UTC) 6-1
3. Gabriel Castillo/Cortland Grove (UTC) def. Ashe Ray/Max Graham (WOFM) 6-2
 
Match Notes
Wofford 5-13, 1-4 SoCon
Chattanooga 15-4, 5-0 SoCon
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (6,3,5,4,2,1)
UTC's first time sitting at 5-0 in SoCon play since 1989
T-3:06 A-71

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