MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Auburn University at Montgomery tennis programs continue to make their mark nationally, with both the men's and women's teams earning recognition in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings. After strong performances on the road this past week, AUM is showcasing top talent in both singles and doubles across NCAA Division II.
Men Ranked Nationally
The Auburn University at Montgomery men's tennis team comes in at No. 41 nationally in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II Top 50.
Over the past week, the Warhawks were strong on the road, earning wins at Middle Georgia State (4-1) in Macon and No. 30 Augusta (4-0) in Augusta, Georgia. Against Middle Georgia, AUM dropped the doubles point at No. 2 and No. 3 but clinched at No. 1, then rallied in singles with wins from Guillermo Vedia Sanchez, Harry McDonagh, Augustin Wallaert, Lucas Rosvall, and others to secure the match.
The Augusta meet saw clean doubles victories at the top two positions from Giuseppe Bonaiuti and Jami Savolainen and Daniel Margoulis and Vedia Sanchez, with key singles wins from Bonaiuti, Vedia Sanchez, and Mark Nawa completing the sweep.
The strong performances also earned Bonaiuti GSC Player of the Week and freshman Vedia Sanchez GSC Freshman of the Week honors.
Early Season Snapshot
Through the first part of the season, AUM has faced a challenging schedule featuring nationally ranked opponents including No. 11 Columbus State, No. 10 North Georgia, No. 9 Embry-Riddle, No. 24 Midwestern State, and No. 5 UT Tyler.
The Warhawks have notched wins over Tuskegee (6-1), Christian Brothers (4-2), Middle Georgia State (4-1), and No. 30 Augusta (4-0), while continuing to gain experience and build momentum in Gulf South Conference play. Top contributors include Bonaiuti and Savolainen, who have been stalwarts at No. 1 doubles and singles, along with Vedia Sanchez, who has made an immediate impact as a freshman. The team's mix of veteran leadership and young talent has helped AUM remain competitive on the national stage and earn a spot in the ITA rankings.
Single's Spotlight with Giuseppe Bonaiuti
Giuseppe Bonaiuti has also earned national recognition, checking in at No. 55 in the latest ITA Division II singles rankings. Competing primarily at No. 1 singles, Bonaiuti has faced a strong slate of opponents throughout the season while serving as a key presence at the top of the Warhawks' lineup.
Among his highlights this year are victories over Tuskegee (6-1, 7-5), Christian Brothers (6-4, 6-2), and Cameron, where Bonaiuti rallied for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-0 comeback win. Most recently, he secured a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Augusta, continuing his strong play in the No. 1 position.
In doubles, Bonaiuti has partnered primarily with Jami Savolainen at No. 1, where the pair has consistently competed against top doubles teams throughout the season while helping anchor AUM's lineup.
Melissa Yakup Pour's Single Spotlight
Melissa Yakup Pour has been a force at No. 1 singles this season, currently ranked No. 19 nationally in Division II. Over the past week, she split a pair of road matches, bested Middle Georgia State, and followed that with a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory at Augusta. Melissa has also posted key wins over Tuskegee, Christian Brothers, and Cameron University, while challenging some of the nation's best including No. 6 Embry-Riddle, No. 12 Midwestern State, No. 20 UT Tyler, and No. 3 West Alabama. Her consistent play has been a major factor in AUM's competitive presence this season.
Melissa Yakup Pour and Nagisa Yonezawa Shine in Doubles Play
In doubles, the pair of Melissa Yakup Pour and Nagisa Yonezawa continues to impress, earning a No. 44 national ranking. This past week, the duo secured wins at Middle Georgia State (7-5), Augusta (6-3), and West Alabama (6-4) showcasing their chemistry and ability to perform under pressure. Throughout the season, the pair has contributed to AUM's success against top opponents including Columbus State, Tuskegee, Midwestern State, and West Alabama, helping the Warhawks remain competitive in both Gulf South Conference and national play.
Up Next
The men will be back in action on Tuesday, March 17 to battle against GSC competitor No. 40 West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama at 2 pm. The women will compete at home at the AUM Tennis Complex on Monday, March 16 against Murray State at 10 am.
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