IRVINE, Calif. – The Eagles win big against Biola after moving up in the national rankings.

The CUI men's tennis team is now ranked No. 16 while Yassine Smiej ranked No. 25 in the nation for doubles. Smiej and double partner Mike Jansen are ranked No. 18 in the nation for doubles!
The Eagles hold a record of 7-5 currently after their defeat over Biola 4-1. Smiej and Jansen started strong at the doubles position earning the win in the No. 1 position. Benjamin Buck and Gertjan De Wilder finished off their opponent in the No. 3 spot to earn the doubles point for the Eagles. Patrick Wong started the singles off with the first win as e defeated his opponent in the No. 2 position with set scores of 6-1 and 6-2. Buck was dominating over at the No. 4 position and won shortly after Wong finished earning the second point for the Eagles. Buck was in control majority of his match as he won 6-2 and 6-0. Biola won the No. 3 position while Smiej was battling in the No. 1 spot. Smiej and his opponent Alexei Prokopchuk had extremely long rallies and went to three sets. The third set was won on a tie breaker by Smiej who in turn won the game for the Eagles!

"Today was a very tough match where Biola played very good," said Smiej. "I didn't play my best tennis but I was fighting like a lion for my team and I'm so happy that I won my match after saving 3 consecutive match points and that I clinched the win for my team. I'm proud of all my teammates, the staff and the trainers and I would like to thank everyone who came to support us out there. Let's go Eagles!"

The Eagles will have a quick turn around as they go to face the No. 7 APU Cougars in their territory on Apr. 9. For the full Green and Gold schedule CLICK HERE!

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