ROME, Ga. --- Luke Lemaitre and Will Leach represented the George Fox Men's Tennis team on day one of the ITA Cup, hosted by Berry College at the Rome Tennis Center Thursday.

How It Happened

Lemaitre drew fourth-seeded Robert Liu (CMS) in the opening round, conceding the match 6-2, 6-3. In the consolation bracket, the senior was paired against UW-Whitewater's John Zakowski, and would ultimately fall 6-4, 6-3.

Lemaitre then teamed up with classmate Leach to face the Gustavus Adolphus team of Aney and Budde in doubles action. The duo fought hard through a marathon of a match but was dealt a heartbreaking 4-6, 7-6(5) [10-8] loss.

Individual Performances

SINGLES DRAW
(4) Robert Liu (CMS) def. Lemaitre (GFU) 6-2, 6-3

CONSOLATION SINGLES
John Zakowski (UWW) def. Lemaitre (GFU) 6-4, 6-3

DOUBLES DRAW
N. Aney / A. Budde (Gustavus Adolphus) def. (1) Leach / Lemaitre (GFU) 4-6, 7-6(5) [10-8]

Coach's Thoughts

"Today was a humbling day, to say the least," said head coach Jeff Cero. "Luke had a few tough matches of singles today, followed by a hard-to-swallow doubles loss where they played so well, but dropped their level on a few points, and it cost them the match."

"We've been blessed as a team where so many things have gone our way," he continued, "but we know that isn't always the case in tennis. Today wasn't our best, and tomorrow is a new day to build off of it and find some success. Proud of these two, and looking forward to getting back out on court tomorrow."

Up Next

The Bruin pair return to the Rome Tennis Center tomorrow, Oct. 15, for day two of the ITA Cup. Lemaitre will continue singles consolations at 9:00 a.m. EST before rejoining Leach for doubles at 12:30 p.m. EST.