The Boulevard is still Belmont’s after the Bruins aced Lipscomb University 5-2 Friday night.
Only the second faceoff on the spring schedule, men’s tennis is still getting into the swing of things for the season but was able to bring home another win after triumphing over Lee University on Jan. 22.
After losing the doubles point to the Bisons, the Bruins began play on the shaky side, but Belmont’s redemption was in sight when it came to the singles matches.
“They have a really good doubles team, and gave us a punch in the face honestly,” said Belmont’s head tennis coach, 2015 alumnus Mauricio Antun, after the event.
“I was really proud, how we responded.”
Both senior Taisei Miyamoto and newcomer Jack Randall earned singles points for Belmont two matches in a row
Recent transfer Randall won his first two single matches as a Bruin, proving himself a tough competitor on the court.
“His work ethic, and his attitude on the match and even outside of the court, it’s great,” Antun said of the junior.
Portugal native Tomas Luis also showed progress, advancing his play from freshman year and winning his singles match Friday.
“Last season I didn’t start well, but starting well this season has gave me a lot of confidence,” sophomore Luis said.
With conference play quickly approaching, the Bruins are determined to carry Friday’s momentum into Sunday’s away match against Chattanooga.
“It’s just gonna keep getting tougher as the season goes on. They’re a tough team. It was 4-3 last season with them,” said Randall.
Looking further ahead, the Bruins will be back on their indoor home courts at Hadley Tennis Center on Feb. 26 when Georgia Southern University comes to town.
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PHOTO: Bruins Alfred Wallin (left) and Taisei Miyamoto (right) in an unfinished doubles game Friday. Belmont Vision / Gus Sneh
This story was written by Camden Morris, Jaymey Hedberg and Gus Sneh.