Men's Tennis Drops Close Match to Visiting Jones

February 6, 2021

East Central’s Isaac Santitto prepares to serve against Jones. (EC Photo)​

The East Central Warriors (1-2) squared off with the Jones College Bobcats (4-0) on Friday afternoon but fell, 6-3. The match featured many close contests including a stellar come-from-behind win for the Warriors No. 1 doubles team made up of Chris Lawrance (York, Australia) and Isaac Santitto (Innisfail, Australia).

"Our No. 1 doubles team showed great resolve after being down and coming back," said ECCC head coach Jay Pacelli. "We are still working really hard and improving every week with our younger players and are ready for our next matchup."

Lawrance and Santitto took the match at No. 1 doubles 9-7 over Vanecek and Panzica. Chris Albert (Vicksburg) and Ian Gordon (Vicksburg) paired up at No. 2 but fell to Meda and Hilton 8-2, while Samuel Turner (Mathiston) and Garrett Crimm (Mathiston) lost 8-0 at No. 3.

In singles play, Lawrance had a strong showing at No. 1 with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Gasper Meda. Santitto defeated Nacho Vanecek in a marathon match, 5-7, 7-5, 10-8.

"I'm very proud of Issac [Santitto] for pulling out a tight singles victory," said Pacelli. "It is great to see him battle like that on the court."

Albert fell at No. 3 singles to Panzica, 7-5, 6-0, while Gordon lost at No. 4 6-0, 6-0 to Trey Hilton. Crimm played No. 5 singles and lost 6-1, 6-0 to Greyson Parman, while Steed Springfield (Vicksburg) fell at No. 6 singles to Ryan Myer, 6-0, 6-0.

The Warriors are back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 9 as the team plays host to the Mississippi Gulf Coat Bulldogs.