April 9, 1999

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Mother Nature held off, but their luck didn't as Virginia's Cavaliers dropped a tough 4-3 decision to Virginia Commonwealth in men's tennis action at the Sheridan Snyder Tennis Center today. With the win the Rams improve to 18-2 overall, while the Cavaliers fall to 10-6.

When scattered showers predicted for the area didn't materialize it looked like it might be Virginia's day, especially after the homestanding Cavaliers won the important doubles point to start the scoring. The Cavaliers' top duo of Huntley Montgomery and Brian Vahaly, ranked 23rd nationally, lost 8-2 to Daniel Andersson and Frank Moser. But Virginia got wins from Tommy Croker and John Winter at No. 2 and Brian Hunter and Hyon Yoo at No. 3 to claim the point.

Virginia increased its lead to two points as Hyon Yoo was first off for the Cavaliers. He defeated Manuel Kropfreiter 6-4, 6-4 in a hotly contested match at No. 4.

The visiting Rams drew even with quick wins at No. 2 and No. 5. Jose Sanchez gained a 6-3, 7-6 straight set win over Montgomery at No. 2, while Johan Barras came from behind to down Tommy Croker 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 at No. 5.

UVa regained the lead as Vahaly trounced the 16th-ranked Andersson in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 at No. 1.

With two matches remaining, Virginia needed just one win for the victory, but the Cavaliers fortunes ran out as VCU won with three-set victories at No. 3 and No. 6. The Rams tied the match again as Olle Lundberg downed Brian Hunter 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 at No. 6. With all eyes on the No. 3 court, VCU's Frank Moser bested John Winter 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in another hotly contested match to clinch the triumph for the Rams. Winter pulled even at 3 games apiece in the third set, but Moser eventually broke Winter to take command. A shot down the line proved to be the winner for VCU. Three of VCU's four wins came in three sets.

As if watching from above, Mother Nature let loose with a torrential downpour within minutes of the match's end.

Virginia Commonwealth 4, Virginia 3

Singles
1-Brian Vahaly (UVa) def. Daniel Anderson 6-3, 6-3
2-Jose Sanchez (VCU) def. Huntley Montgomery 6-3, 7-6
3-Frank Moser (VCU )def. John Winter 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
4-Hyon Yoo (UVa) def. Manuel Kropfreiter 6-4, 6-4
5-Johan Barras (VCU) def. Tommy Croker 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
6-Olle Lundberg (VCU )def. Brian Hunter 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Doubles
1-Andersson/Moser (VCU) def. Montgomery/Vahaly 8-2
2-Croker/Winter (UVa) def. Sanchez/Kropfreiter 8-5
3-Hunter/Yoo (UVa) def. Lundberg/Barras 8-3