RADFORD KICKS OFF SEASON WITH 6-1 WIN OVER FAIRMONT STATE

BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Rolando Vargas era opened with a new energy as the Highlanders started the 2018 season with a 6-1 victory over NCAA Division II Fairmont State in a neutral site match inside the Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center.

"It's great to start the season with a positive result," Vargas said. "Fairmont State came ready to play. They challenged us in No. 3 and No. 5 singles, but the players showed their mental toughness to get the wins."

The scheduled home opener for the Highlanders was moved to Virginia Tech due to impending inclement weather. Radford has now won two straight season openers.

Radford grabbed the doubles point quickly, securing No. 1 and 2 doubles. Carlos Sala and Matko Varga teamed up to defeat Tom Liddy/Joco Martins in No. 2 doubles for a 6-4 victory.

The doubles point was clinched by Michiel Meekers and Rodrigo Magalhaes in the No. 1 spot, defeating Gui Pachane/Dillon Early by the score of 6-4.

Coming off a successful freshman campaign, Magalhaes continued his momentum with a 6-0, 6-0 decision over Lucas Alves in No. 1 singles.

Radford led 3-0 after Alexandros Caldwell won his No. 2 singles match due to a Fairmont State forfeit for injury.

"Rodrigo was a good leader today, winning both of his matches," Vargas added. "If he keeps playing on this high level, he could be a threat to anyone in the nation."

Leading 3-0 as a team, Varga battled back for thrilling 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 victory in No. 3 singles to give Radford the match clinching decision.

Returning to the court for the first time since 2016, Meekers looked better than ever in a 6-2, 6-3 victory in No. 4 singles. Robin Calais rounded out the Highlanders with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-6 (10-5) win in No. 5 singles.

"Michiel played aggressively and Alex used his experience," Vargas noted. "There are still many things that we need to keep working on."

Radford will play two matches this weekend, traveling to Davidson on Saturday and Wingate on Sunday. The Highlanders will play their home opener on Feb. 24 against Belmont Abbey.

Singles Competition

1. Rodrigo Magalhaes (Radford) def. Lucas Alves (Fairmont St.) 6-0, 6-0
2. Alexandros Caldwell (Radford) def. Gui Pachane (Fairmont St.) 6-2, 3-0 won by forfeit
3. Matko Varga (Radford) def. Matias Higueras (Fairmont St.) 6-4, 2-6, 6-3
4. Michiel Meekers (Radford) def. Joco Martins (Fairmont St.) 6-2, 6-3
5. Robin Calais (Radford) def. Tom Liddy (Fairmont St.) 7-5, 7-6 (10-5)
6. Bradley Schug (Fairmont St.) def. Carlos Sala (Radford) 8-4

Order of finish: (1,2,3,4,6,5)

Doubles Competition

1. Meekers/Magalhaes (Radford) def. Pachane/Early (Fairmont St.) 6-4
2. Sala/Varga (Radford) def. Liddy/Martins (Fairmont St.) 6-2
3. Alves/Higueras (Fairmont St.) def. Calais/Caldwell (Radford) 7-6

Order of finish: (2,1,3)

Match Notes
Fairmont State (2-1)
Radford (1-0)

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Players Mentioned

Robin Calais: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Alexandros Caldwell: 6' 1"; Junior

Rodrigo Magalhaes: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Michiel Meekers: 6' 5"; Redshirt Junior

Carlos Sala: 5' 11"; Senior

Matko Varga: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Robin Calais
: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Alexandros Caldwell
: 6' 1"; Junior

Rodrigo Magalhaes
: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Michiel Meekers
: 6' 5"; Redshirt Junior

Carlos Sala
: 5' 11"; Senior

Matko Varga
: 5' 10"; Sophomore