MONTGOMERY, AL – The 11th-ranked Columbus State men's tennis team opened its 2026 season with a commanding 6-1 victory over Auburn University at Montgomery on Friday afternoon at the AUM Tennis Complex.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Cougars opened the match with a point in doubles play, winning all three contests.
- At No. 1 doubles, the team of senior Andrea Sandrone and Elias Peter won 6-4, while the No 2 duo of junior Samer Al Tori and senior Thomas Cardona also won by a 6-4 score.
- In singles play, Columbus State won five of the six matchups to seal the road victory.
- Cardona won 6-2, 6-4 in the No. 1 position, followed by a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 4 from senior Benedek Szombathelyi.
- Peter also won in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-4, at No. 6 singles.
- Al Tori (6-4, 3-6, 6-4) and Sandrone (4-6, 6-3, 6-3) went the distance but won their respective singles matchups at No. 3 and No. 5 on the scoresheet.
UP NEXT
The Cougars host SCAD - Atlanta of the NAIA on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 12:30 p.m. in the team's home opener at the John W. Walden Tennis Center.
