Miami men’s tennis crushes Boston College as seniors say farewell

By
Erik Lamm
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Graduate student Dan Martin prepares to hit the ball back during his win over Max Motlagh from Boston College at Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Sunday, April 9. Photo credit: Reese Putnam

To say the Hurricanes play well at home would be an understatement. Miami men’s tennis went a perfect 11-0 this season in Coral Gables and closed out the year in dominant fashion on Senior Day. Dan Martin, Leo Bierbaum, Juan Martin Jalif and Franco Aubone made their final appearances for the ‘Canes faithful one to remember as they exhibited a tennis master class.

Facing off against the Boston College Eagles (6-12), the ‘Canes (14-7) held nothing back, winning 7-0 at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Sunday.

In doubles, Boston College took an early lead as freshman Antonio Prat and sophomore Martin Katz fell 6-2. It was only downhill from there for the Eagles, as the rest of the match was all Hurricanes. On Court 1, the No. 68 pair of Jalif and freshman Martin Vergara beat the No. 48 Eagles pair, 6-3. Next, Aubone and Martin won on Court 2, 6-4, to claim the doubles point for the ‘Canes.

In singles, Miami was flawless across the board. Freshman Nacho Serra Sanchez got the party started, as he won comfortably, 6-1, 6-2, on Court 4.

Freshman Nacho Serra Sanchez prepares to hit the ball back over the net during his win against Jake Vassel from Boston College at Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Sunday, April 9.
Freshman Nacho Serra Sanchez prepares to hit the ball back over the net during his win against Jake Vassel from Boston College at Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Sunday, April 9. Photo credit: Reese Putnam

Jalif claimed the next point on Court 5, winning 6-0, 6-4. Fellow freshman Vergara claimed the clinching point for the ‘Canes on Court 6, 6-2, 6-3.

The ‘Canes didn’t stop there though. Katz won 6-4, 6-4 on Court 2 to increase the margin to five. That left two seniors still playing on the courts for the final time. On Court 1, No. 51 Martin had his opponent gasping for air as he hit down the line winners with surgical precision. After edging his opponent 7-5 in the opening set, Martin shifted into another gear and defended the stadium court for the final time, winning 6-2.

Sophmore Martin Katz watches as the ball gets close enough to hit back over the net to his Boston College competitor at Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Sunday, April 9.
Sophmore Martin Katz watches as the ball gets close enough to hit back over the net to his Boston College competitor at Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Sunday, April 9. Photo credit: Reese Putnam

On Court 3, Bierbaum’s driving backhand proved too much for his opponent as he broke him down 7-5, 6-2 to give Miami the sweep.

The ‘Canes now hit the road for the rest of the season as they face two tough opponents in the state of North Carolina. First up is Duke on Friday, followed by North Carolina on Sunday. Afterwards, it will be the ACC and NCAA championships, where Martin may have a chance to play in the singles tournament.