The No. 2-ranked Emory men's tennis team opened defense of its University Athletic Association title on a successful note Friday, registering a quarterfinal-round victory over the University of Rochester. The Championships are being held in Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
The Eagles rolled to a 9-0 decision over the Yellowjackets, upping their overall record to 15-3 while Rochester slipped to 7-12.
The No. 2 doubles team of senior Max Renke and junior Adrien Bouchet earned the first point of the match, raising their record to 13-4 following a decisive 8-1 triumph over Damani Eubanks and Peter Huang. The No. 1 team of senior Scott Rubinstein and junior James Spaulding breezed to their 19th victory of the campaign while junior Jonathan Jemison and freshman Hayden Cassone won for the 20th time in 23 outings at No. 3.
Emory was dominant in singles, capturing all six matches in straight sets. Jemison chalked up a 6-2, 6-0 outcome over Masaru Fujimaki at the No. 1 post while Cassone bettered Jun Yuminaga at second singles, 6-2, 6-1, for his team-leading 23 victory of the season. At No. 3 senior Alec Josepher topped Yifan Shen, 6-1, 6-0, while Bouchet came away with a 6-1, 6-2, verdict over Tanmay Thakkar at four. Senior Andrew Harington and Rubinstein rounded out the singles winners at Nos. 5 and 6, respectively. Harrington raised his season slate to 17-2 and Rubinstein to 12-6.
Emory will face No. 10-ranked Washington University in Friday's semifinals, with that bout scheduled for a 2:00 pm start.