The No. 13 Vols opened their season on Monday, taking down both Tennessee Tech and Belmont in a doubleheader. Tennessee was dominant, taking home 7-0 victories in both matches and extending its win streak against both programs.
Tennessee (1-0) lost just three total sets across both matches, including one against Tennessee Tech (0-2) and two against Belmont (0-1).
Here’s a look at how both matches played out on Monday.
Sweatless victory against Tennessee Tech
The Vols showcased their dominance with a clean sweep over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, earning wins in both doubles and singles matches. ITA’s No. 59 ranked pair of Shunsuke Mitsui and James Newton showed out, getting the first win of the spring by a 6-1 score. Newcomers Alan Jesudason and Jan Kobierski also won in identical fashion, securing another 6-1 win to confirm Tennessee’s doubles victory.
Tennessee continued its performance into the singles part of the match, winning six of the seven matches in straight sets. Alex Alvarez won the only set of the day for Tennessee Tech but eventually fell in three sets to Jesudason.
Jesudason excellent against adversity
Although Tennessee didn’t have much pushback in either match, Jesudason showcased his ability to respond to pushback. In both of his singles matches, he dominated the first set, dropped the second set, but was able to finish the job in the third.
“We got pushed in a few courts which was great,” associate head coach Matt Lucas said. “We had to dig deep and battle a little bit, and I think it was important that we pushed through those moments because it’s going to get tougher from here.”
Mitsui remains dominant
ITA’s No. 18 ranked individual, and half of the No. 59 ranked double picked up just the way he left off in the fall. Mitsui, alongside Newton, took home a 6-1 victory to start the spring season on the right note. He also dismantled Murilo Burckhardt on Court 1, winning straight sets both 6-1.
Mitsui continued his strong day against the Bruins, picking up his second doubles win with Newton, 6-2. His last singles match of the day followed how most of the rest of the day had gone, winning 6-4 and 6-2.
Fresh faces shine in spring debut
Tennessee brought five freshmen and four transfers in after last season, some of which will make an instant impact. Freshmen Kobierski and Jose Garcia made an instant impact, with neither losing a set on the day. Transfers Ian Cruz and Jesudason also contributed to the Vols’ sweeps in both games.
“They’re learning how to compete as a team and getting to know each other and understanding that it is a team sport now and that they’ve got to work together,” Lucas said.
Up next
Following the doubleheader victory, the Vols will head west to Murfreesboro to take on the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders before their first challenge of the year at No. 4 Wake Forest on Jan. 19.
“Qualifying for National Indoors is a big goal for us,” Lucas said. “Middle Tennessee State and Wake Forest are leadups to the kickoff weekend. We’ll get to play on our home courts again with the goal of winning National Indoors.”
