MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – Juan Estevarena secured the winning point in the No. 1 singles flight, as The College of Charleston men's tennis team welcomed UNC Charlotte to Patriots Point on Saturday for Senior Day, and defeated the 49ers, 4-3.

The Cougars (16-6) entered their final match of the season on a three game winning streak, and looking to secure additional momentum as they head towards the Colonial Athletic Association tournament. In order to do that, they needed to lean on their seniors to get the win over Charlotte (12-7)

“Every senior played a role this match, just like they have for the last four years.” Said head coach Jay Bruner. “This team is stronger every match because of the role each person plays and the value that they bring to the group.”

Seniors Charlie Ghriskey and Josh Record took the No. 2 doubles flight, 6-4, but they were the only ones to do so. The College dropped the No. 1 and No. 3 flights, as Charlotte secured the first point of the match.   

In the singles competition, The College made up the deficit quickly with wins by seniors Zack Lewis, 6-1, 7-6, in the No. 4 spot and Garrett Gordon, 6-4, 6-2, in the No. 6 position. Vasily Kichigin also won, 6-1, 2-6, 6-2, in the No. 5 flight to tie the match at 3-3.

That's when Juan Estevarena did what he has done all season, and came up big for the Cougars in the No. 1 singles flight. He came back from a 6-1 loss in the first set of  to win, 7-5, 6-2, in straight sets to win the match for The College.

“I am so proud of what this group of guys have done this season, and over the last four seasons. Bruner said. “ I'm excited to see how we finish as well.”

The College has now concluded its regular season schedule, and will now await the seeding process for the CAA tournament that is set to begin on Thursday, April 21. For additional information regarding the College of Charleston men's tennis team, check out CofCSports.com

Charleston 4, Charlotte 3

Doubles
1. Vikram Hundal/J. Massalle Ferrer (CHA) def. Juan Estevarena/Rodrigo Encinas (COFCM) 6-4

2. Charlie Ghriskey/Josh Record (COFCM) def. Josh Aubrey/Carl Solik (CHA) 6-4

3. Sam Brazil/Jensen Martin (CHA) def. Zack Lewis/Matt Daly (COFCM) 6-4

Singles
1. Juan Estevarena (COFCM) def. Vikram Hundal (CHA) 1-6, 7-5, 6-2

2. J. Massalle Ferrer (CHA) def. Charlie Ghriskey (COFCM) 7-6, 6-3

3. Sam Rice (CHA) def. Rodrigo Encinas (COFCM) 6-4, 6-1

4. Zack Lewis (COFCM) def. A. Garcia Moreno (CHA) 6-1, 7-6

5. Vasily Kichigin (COFCM) def. Oriol Puig (CHA) 6-1, 2-6, 6-2

6. Garrett Gordon (COFCM) def. Sam Brazil (CHA) 6-4, 6-2

-www.CofCSports.com-