The men and women’s tennis team took on the University of Rochester on their home turf on Saturday in a crucial matchup for both sides, topping the Yellowjackets in both University Athletic Association contests.

Men — Judges 7, Rochester 2

The men entered the day at a below average 2-3 mark, hoping to level out their record and take home a win. The team had some added pressure from the home crowd with the matches being held in the Gosman Athletic Center.  

The Judges began the day strong with a win in the number one doubles’ slot, taking an 8-6 victory over Rochester’s number one team. Jeff Cherkin ’17 and Michael Arguello ’17 battled it out indoors to take home the win, but the Judges dropped off in the next two matches. 

Tyler Ng ’19 and Ryan Bunis ’17 fell in tough matchup against a well-rounded Rochester squad. The duo forced an extra game to extend their chances, but were ultimately defeated 9-7. 

The singles matches swapped venues for the Reiger Tennis Courts, showcasing an undeterred Brandeis singles team. 

The Judges showed no mercy, taking all six of the event’s matches in swift fashion.

 Brian Granoff ’17 won in straight sets, followed by Arguello, Ng and Danny Lubarsky ’16. Bunis, who played in the number one slot, handled his opponent smoothly, winning 6-1, 7-6. 

On the opposite side, Zach Cihlar ’19 came out victorious in a close battle, posting a 1-6, 7-6, 6-3 win. Cihlar sealed the deal for the Judges and gave them the clear 7-2 overall victory. The men also evened out their record with the win, posting a solid 3-3 record in the regular season books. 

After the match, Ng spoke about  the impact of the team’s win, saying,

“Expanding our record serves as my motivation, as I believe that our team can go deep into the national rankings. I don’t feel much pressure during home matches. Rather ,I feel fired up wanting to represent Brandeis tennis in our own courts.”

Women — Judges 5, Rochester 1

The Judges came into this match sorely needing a win. The pressure seemed to kick in and fuel the squad’s effort as they came out on top of a weary Rochester team.

The women shot out of the gates, winning two of the first three matches on the doubles courts. Sophia He ’19 and Charlotte Aaron ’18 eased through their match, beating the number two Rochester duo 8-5.

Emily Eska ’16 and Maya Esker ’16 improved upon their teammates ‘record, sealing an 8-2 victory over the number three squad. 

The momentum did not carry over into the top match, where Haley Cohen ’17 and Olivia Leavitt ’16 lost in a disappointing 8-3 match to a formidable Rochester squad. 

The team bounced back in the singles event, sweeping a dumbfounded Rochester squad without dropping a single set. Cohen avenged her doubles loss, winning 6-3, 6-3, while Leavitt posted an unforgiving double bagel against her opponent. Keren Khromenchko ’19 rallied for a 6-1, 6-1 win, giving the Judges a well-deserved win for the day. 

The men will continue next weekend against Wheaton College at home, while the women will follow up their win at the Nor’Easter Bowl on April 1.