MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Auburn University at Montgomery tennis programs continue to make their mark nationally, as the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II rankings showcase multiple Warhawks earning recognition this week.
Men Ranked Nationally at No. 31
After climbing to No. 29 last week, the Auburn University at Montgomery men's tennis team slipped slightly to No. 31 in this week's ITA national rankings following a 5-2 road victory over No. 50 Valdosta State.
The Warhawks got off to a strong start in doubles as Jami Savolainen and Giuseppe Bonaiuti won 6-2 at the top spot, while Guillermo Vedia Sanchez and Daniel Margoulis captured a tight 7-6 (7-2) tiebreak at No. 2 to secure the opening point. In singles, Lucas Rosvall, Augustin Wallaert, and Savolainen, who was named GSC Player of the Week, earned key victories, with Savolainen delivering the match-clinching win in a three-set comeback. Harry McDonagh added another singles triumph to help the Warhawks hold off Valdosta State and claim the 5-2 victory.
Singles Spotlight: No. 63 Jami Savolainen
Savolainen shifted one spot to No. 63 in the ITA singles rankings. Savolainen earned a crucial 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 comeback victory over Valdosta's Wilson Igbinovia at the No. 2 position, delivering the match-clinching point in the Warhawks' 5-2 conference win.
Singles Spotlight: No. 59 Giuseppe Bonaiuti
Bonaiuti dropped one spot in the ITA singles rankings to No. 59 after falling 6-2, 6-4 to Valdosta State's No. 43 Philipp Bosse in a tightly contested match at the top position. Despite the setback, Bonaiuti continues to compete at a high level against nationally ranked opponents.
Singles Spotlight: No. 10 Melissa Yakup Pour
This week, Yakup Pour clocks in at tenth in the nation after securing a straight set win over No. 17 Valdosta State. Yakup Pour capped the meet for the Warhawks with a straight-set win over the Blazer's Lena Beckx, defeating her 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. She went 1-0 on the week in singles with her win over the Blazers.
No. 24 Melissa Yakup Pour and Nagisa Yonezawa Shine in Doubles Play
Yakup Pour and Yonezawa continue to be a force to be reckoned with for the women's in doubles action as they continue to climb the ranks. Last week they were ranked No. 27 after posting a 2-0 record on the week with one unfinished match. This week, they land at No. 24 after going 1-0 in doubles play against No. 17 Valdosta State. The duo delivering a commanding victory, 6-1, at the No. 1 position over the Blazer's No. 48 ranked pair of Lena Beckx and Milica Prokic.
Yakup Pour and Yonezawa have competed exclusively at the No. 1 position for doubles, winning five of their last six matches in doubles play, including wins against No. 3 West Alabama and No. 6 Mississippi College.
Up Next
The Warhawks will be back in action to battle against Lee University on Friday, April 10 in Cleveland, Tennessee for a GSC matchup on the road. The match is set to begin at 10 am.
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