3/5/10 - Royals Burnt by No. 1 Sunbirds

By Stephanie Coats

Fullerton, CA- Facing off against the top team in the nation was more than a little intimidating for the Royals. Though they would lose 9-0, they did not give up the match to Fresno Pacific easily.

In their match-up versus Xavier Smith and 2009 NAIA All-American Alex Gonzalez Freshman doubles partners Greg Cobian and Christian Booher forced their opponents to drop a game. While Cobian and Booher tried to add more game wins to their one, Smith and Gonzalez were able to rebound and win the match 8-1.

Also on the doubles court, Sophomore Henry Valiente and Freshman Justin Sutherlin earned a game win of their own against Denny Fafek and Jose Hilla. Once again the Royals tried to make the most of their sole victory but were beaten out by their opponents. Valiente, who is pulling double duty with Men’s Tennis and Volleyball, and Sutherlin would lose the match 8-1.

Fresno Pacific 9, Hope International 0

Singles

1. Xavier Smith (FPU) def. Greg Cobian (HIU), 2-0 (6-0, 6-0)
2. Alex Gonzalez (FPU) def. Henry Valiente (HIU), 2-0 (6-1, 6-0)
3. Martin Vaisse (FPU) def. Christian Booher (HIU), 2-0 (6-1, 6-0)
4. Denny Fafek (FPU) def. Justin Sutherlin (HIU), 2-0 (6-0, 6-0)
5. Maxime Adam (FPU def. Nathan Deghi (HIU), 2-0 (6-0, 6-0)
6. Jose Hilla (FPU) def. Mike Lipert (HIU), 2-0 (6-0, 6-0)

Doubles

1. Smith/Gonzalez (FPU) def. Cobian/Booher (HIU), 8-1
2. Fafek/Hilla (FPU) def. Valiente/Sutherlin (HIU), 8-1
3. Vaisse/Adam (FPU) def. Deghi/Lipert (HIU), 8-0

The Sunbirds maintain their undefeated record (8-0, 5-0 GSAC), as the Royals showcase a 0-8, 0-5 GSAC record A break over the weekend will give the Royals a few days to prepare for NAIA No. 5 Azusa Pacific, who they will travel to face on Monday at 2:00 pm.

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