The New York University men's tennis team posted a 7-2 victory over their fellow University Athletic Association (UAA) member, the University of Rochester, at home in the Bronx on Saturday, April 1. The Violets now stand with a record of 6-3.

Prior to the match, NYU honored graduating seniors Ilan Leventhal, Alex Yang, Henry Hochfelder, Joseph He and Andy Watterson.

The afternoon competition began with the Violets sweeping the doubles round. The duo of He/Watterson finished first at #3 doubles in a quick 8-2 match. Then, captain Yang rallied with his #1 doubles partner Zachary Freier to take their match 8-5 for NYU. Finally, in a nail-biter, Alex Lee and Boren Zheng earned a roar of applause from the sidelines when they persevered and emerged victorious in a 7-point tiebreaker 8-7 (3).

Continuing into the singles play, the Violets competed in several impassioned and well-fought matches. Yang fought a long and arduous first singles match against Rochester's Kai Yuminaga. He lost the first set 4-6, came back strong to take the second set 6-1,  but ultimately fell just short in the third-set tiebreaker 10-12. 

The final match of the day was Rumaish Khastgir at fifth singles topping Kei Ogara in a close contest, 6-4, 7-6 (4), as the crowd cheered on.

"Over the course of those four years you get closer and believe in each other," said Yang after the senior awards. "You believe in the same goal. For all of us, growing as men, that's been really important to have that unique experience of fraternity. This can be a great four years if you put in the work and the time; NYU provides a great balance with academics and if you stay hungry and commit you'll receive a ton of love back like I have."

The Violets will return to the court on Sunday, April 2, when they host fellow UAA opponent Brandeis University at 1:00pm in the Bronx.