No. 1 ranked Georgia Gwinnett defeated Dalton State (19-6), 5-0, Friday afternoon to advance to the NAIA National Championship final match at Mobile Tennis Center.
“Today was a tough way to end the season, but making it to the semifinals at nationals is no small feat,” DS Coach Zack Rogers said. “I am super proud of the efforts the guys gave this season and the body of work for this year’s seniors.
Rogers added that the Roadrunners exceeded their goals for the season. “We came into the season with the goal of winning the SSAC conference title and making it to the quarterfinals at nationals. We were able to exceed our goals. That speaks volumes for the commitment this team has had. Today is going to hurt for a little while, but we will learn from it and come back next year ready to finish the job and bring the national championship trophy back home to Dalton.”
Doubles competition:
1. Kevin Konfederak/Jordon Cox (GGC) def. Edberg Espinoza/Joe Bray (DS), 8-2
2. Matias Hatem/Connor Clements (GGC) def. Jose Ruda/Sebastian Dartnell (DS), 8-1
3. Gilad Berman/Lachian McPhee (GGC) def. Nikolay Nikiforov/Adam Hornby (DS), 8-4
Singles Competition:
1. Kevin Konfederak (GGC) def. Edberg Espinoza (DS), 6-2, 6-1
2. Matias Hatem (GGC) def. Jose Ruda (DS), 6-2, 6-2
3. Gilad Berman (GGC) vs. Nikolay Nikiforov (DS), 6-4, 5-2, unfinished
4. Lachian McPhee (GGC) vs. Joe Bray (DS), 6-1, 4-1, unfinished
5. Connor Clements (GGC) vs. Adam Hornby (DS), 6-1, 4-1, unfinished
6. Luke Moreland (GGC) vs. Sebastian Dartnell, 6-2, 3-0, unfinished
Georgia Gwinnett will play No. 3 Xavier (La.) in Saturday’s Championship match. Xavier (La.) advanced by defeating Lindsey Wilson, 5-3.