POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State men's tennis team delivered a strong weekend at Reed Gym, earning a pair of 6–1 victories over Portland State on Thursday and Montana State on Saturday. The Bengals improve to 8–8 overall and 2–2 in Big Sky Conference play following the two wins.
"I thought they were supporting each other really well all through the day, especially in singles," said head coach Oliver Good following Thursday's win. "It really helped after we hadn't got the doubles point. We did a really good job making sure we got through those matches and got ahead on the scoreboard."
"That's been a big focus for us," added Valentino De Pellegrin. "We stayed united and played for each other. We play as a family, and that makes us so much stronger when we're all competing together like that."
Portland State at Idaho State Match Report
(Thursday – Pocatello, Idaho)
Doubles
Idaho State dropped a tightly contested doubles point, with Portland State winning two of the three courts to take the early lead.
Singles
The Bengals responded emphatically in singles play, sweeping all six courts to secure the 6–1 team victory.
- No. 1 Singles: Valentino De Pellegrin defeated Aarjun Pandit, 6–1, 6–0.
- No. 2 Singles: Sep de Visser defeated Maas Schotanus, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3.
- No. 3 Singles: Sam Wensley defeated Luca Prino, 1–6, 6–3, 6–2.
- No. 4 Singles: Hayden Ciguenza defeated Edoardo Cravanzola, 6–1, 6–4.
- No. 5 Singles: Luka Vujacic defeated Ignacio Ruiz, 6–3, 6–3.
- No. 6 Singles: Rafael Maya defeated Hampus Hagglund, 6–2, 6–2.
Montana State at Idaho State Match Report
(Saturday – Pocatello, Idaho)
"Yeah, we came out really strong, especially in the doubles to start the day and that sort of set the tone," said Good. "We had better energy all throughout the match and went out there to win it, not just try not to lose. That's a big step for this group."
That energy and unity were echoed by the Bengals throughout the lineup.
"I think from the first moment, everyone is there, the support is there, the energy is there," said Sep de Visser. "You see your teammate next to you competing, and you want to do just as well. We all carry each other through it, and that confidence has really been building over these last few matches."
Doubles
Idaho State secured the doubles point with wins on courts one and two, setting the tone early in the dual.
Singles
The Bengals carried their momentum into singles play, winning five of six courts to complete the 6–1 victory.
- No. 1 Singles: Valent De Pellegrin defeated Yassin Elaroussy, 6–1, 3–6, 6–1.
- No. 2 Singles: Sep de Visser defeated Andre Stewart, 7–6, 7–6.
- No. 3 Singles: Sam Wensley defeated Oumar Diallo, 2–1, ret.
- No. 4 Singles: Hayden Ciguenza defeated Camille Chantron, 6–3, 7–6.
- No. 5 Singles: Rafael Maya defeated Eddie Biss, 6–1, 6–3.
- No. 6 Singles: Quentin Lamothe fell to Ethan Masselis, 4–6, 4–6.
Up Next
Idaho State continues Big Sky Conference play next weekend as the Bengals look to build on their momentum, traveling to Sacramento, CA to take on Sacramento State next Saturday.
"I think if we keep playing for each other and keep this energy, it doesn't matter where we play," said De Pellegrin. "We've shown what we can do, and we're confident going into next weekend."
"We just have to keep going like we have been," added de Visser. "Everyone is playing well, and with this energy, we can keep building."
