FULLERTON – With the score tied 3-3, Hope International's Reid Lizardo prevailed in a three-set battle at No. 2 singles to give the Royals a thrilling victory over Bakersfield College on Saturday at the Fullerton Tennis Center.
Lizardo defeated Axl Gonzaga by scores of 6-4, 5-7, 10-4 to clinch the contest for the Royals.
After losing the doubles point, the Royals won at the top four positions on the ladder for the requisite four points.
Karan Srivastana posted a 7-6, 2-6, 13-11 win over Mateusz Lipczynski at No. 1 singles and Sebastien Dizon Perez notched a straight set 6-3, 6-3 victory against Shang Kao at the No. 3 spot.
At No. 4 singles, Kaito Henderson breezed to a 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Zeb Duket.
The Royals take on NCAA Division I program UC Riverside on Thursday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m.
Doubles
1. Axl Gonzaga/Shang Kao (BC) def. Reid Lizardo/Sebastien Dizon Perez (HIU) – 6-4
2. Karan Srivastava/Kaito Henderson (HIU) def. Zeb Duket/Mateusz Lipczynski (BC) – 7-6 (5)
3. Vitalie Chibac/Orlando Vankan (BC) def. Dylan Barrett/Kento Henderson (HIU) – 6-4
Bakersfield College wins the doubles point
Singles
1. Karan Srivastava (HIU) def Mateusz Lipczynski (BC) – 7-6, 2-6, 13-11
2. Reid Lizardo (HIU) def. Axl Gonzaga (BC) – 6-4, 5-7, 10-4
3. Sebastien Dizon Perez (HIU) def. Shang Kao (BC) – 6-3, 6-3
4. Kaito Henderson (HIU) def. Zeb Duket (BC) – 6-2, 6-2
5. Orlando Vankan (BC) def. Kento Henderson (HIU) – 6-4, 5-7, 10-6
6. Vitalie Chibac (BC) def. David Gutierrez (HIU) – 4-6, 7-6, 10-6