HIGHLANDERS BATTLE WEATHER FOR 7-0 WIN IN HOME OPENER

RADFORD, Va. – Radford made quick work of Belmont Abbey on Saturday afternoon after batting weather conditions to pick up a 7-0 victory in the home opener.

Winners of two straight, the Highlanders improved to 3-2 on the season.

"It was a little tricky with the weather conditions but the team adjusted well. We were working on our killer instinct, which was much better than our previous match," said head coach Rolando Vargas. "I think it's a step in the right direction but we still have things to work on. We will have tough competition in Florida and looking forward to it."

Radford jumped out to an early lead after only dropping two sets in doubles action. Carlos Sala and Matko Varga opened with a 6-0 victory in No. 2 doubles against Lorenzo Lopes and Tomas Pardo.

The Highlanders next two doubles wins would come in 6-1 decisions as Rodrigo Magalhaes and Robin Calais clinched the point in the No. 1 spot.

In the blink of eye, Radford was leading 3-0 in the match as Varga defeated Andres Astudillo in No. 3 singles by the score of 6-1, 6-1. Calais followed in No. 5 singles with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Joseph Horne.

The match victory was clinched by Magalhaes in No. 1 singles with a 6-0, 6-2 decision against Jacob Andress.

Already having clinched the victory, Radford added three more points in singles play. Michiel Meekers was a 6-3, 6-1 winner over Lopes in No. 4 singles, while Alexandros Caldwell defeated Kevin Yarzagaray 6-3, 6-4 in No. 2 singles.

Rounding out the Highlanders, Sala pulled out a 6-2, 7-6 (10-6) win over Hunter Owen in No. 6 singles to complete Radford's second straight shutout.

Radford will take a week off to prepare for four matches over five days during its annual spring break throughout the Sunshine State.

Singles Competition

1. Rodrigo Magalhaes (Radford) def. Jacob Andress (Belmont Abbey) 6-0, 6-2
2. Alexandros Caldwell (Radford) def. Kevin Yarzagaray (Belmont Abbey) 6-3, 6-4
3. Matko Varga (Radford) def. Andres Astudillo (Belmont Abbey) 6-1, 6-1
4. Michiel Meekers (Radford) def. Lorenzo Lopes (Belmont Abbey) 6-3, 6-1
5. Robin Calais (Radford) def. Joseph Horne (Belmont Abbey) 6-0, 6-1
6. Carlos Sala (Radford) def. Hunter Owen (Belmont Abbey) 6-2, 7-6 (10-6)

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

Doubles Competition

1. Calais/Magalhaes (Radford) def. Astudillo/Astudillo (Belmont Abbey) 6-1
2. Sala/Varga (Radford) def. Lopes/Pardo (Belmont Abbey) 6-0
3. Caldwell/Meekers (Radford) def. Andress/Ryan James (Belmont Abbey) 6-1

Order of Finish: (2,1,3)

Match Notes
Belmont Abbey (4-9)
Radford (3-2)

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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