January 16, 2009

RICHMOND, Va., - The Longwood University men's tennis team defeated the Richmond Spiders 4-1 in its first match of the spring season while participating in the VCU 4x1 Invitational hosted by Virginia Commonwealth. The Lancers defeated the Spiders three games to one in singles, while also capturing the doubles point. Senior Brandon Lindsley/Woodbridge (Woodbridge) earned the Lancers a point from the #1 singles position, defeating Sam Belakhlef in straight sets (6-2, 6-1). Longwood returns to the courts on Sunday, January 18 facing VCU at 10 a.m. as part of the VCU 4x1 Invitational.
   
Senior Carlos Garcia de Andoain/Madrid, Spain (Liceo Sorolla 'C') played in the #2 spot facing Will Minter. Garcia de Andoain put in a hard fought match but was unable to come out victorious, falling 3-6, 6-3, 3-6. The Lancers received a point from freshman Nobu Tanaka/Potomac, Md. (St. Johns College) in the #3 spot as he defeated Matt Feeley after three sets (5-7, 6-4, 10-6). The teams final singles point came at the #4 spot from junior Andres Lazarte/Vienna, (San Miguel). Lazarte defeated A.J. Nelson 6-2, 7-6 (2).
   
The team of junior David Cardoso/Porto, Portugal (Externato Lumen) and junior Billy Heird/York, Pa. (Dallastown) picked up the doubles point by knocking off Rata Arana and Dylan Schorde in straight sets (6-1, 6-4).

VCU?4x1 Results
Singles
#1 - Lindsley (LU) def. Belakhlef (RU); 6-2, 6-1
#2 - Minter (RU)?def. Garcia de Andoain (LU); 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
#3 - Tanaka (LU) def. Feeley (RU); 5-7, 6-4, 10-6
#4 - Lazarte (LU)?def. Nelson (RU); 6-2, 7-6 (2)

Doubles
Cardoso/Heird (LU) def. Arana/Schrode (RU); 6-1, 6-4