LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. --- The Tusculum University men's tennis team completed its fall schedule this weekend by competing at the Grizzly Open, hosted by Georgia Gwinnett College.
David Akinpetide led the Pioneer contingent at the tournament by advancing to the semifinal round in the A singles draw, while Max Stem was a finalist in the B Draw consolation bracket.
Akinpetide beat Joe Klokow of Point 7-6, 6-0 in the round of 32, then defeated Steven Huynh of Georgia State 5-7, 6-0, (10-4) in the round of 16. Akinpetide rallied again to defeat AntonioMora of Emory 1-6, 6-1, (10-6) in the quarterfinals before being ousted by Federico Bonacia of Georgia Gwinnett 6-3, 6-0 in the semifinal round.
In the B Draw, the Pioneers had three players advance to the round of 16 following opening-round victories. Gaston Aguilera defeated Mark Batoon of Bluefield 6-0, 6-2, Gabriel Bernardi won 6-2, 6-0 over Kaleb Sosebee of Point, and Jacco Mensinga won 6-2, 7-5 over Rodrigo Huarachi of Bluefield.
The Pioneers' Max Stam bounced back from an opening-round loss in the B Draw to advance all the way to the consolation finals. Stam defeated Tanaka Rushwaya of Bluefield 8-2 in the round of 16, beat Kyle Howell of Point 6-4, 7-5 in the quarterfinals and downed Gabe Poling of Bluefield 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals. However, Sam Blackburn of Point defeated Stam 6-4, 6-1 in the consolation final.