Reinhardt Splits With Xavier (La.), Men Upset No. 2 Gold Rush

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

CANTON, Ga. – The sixth-ranked Eagles took down their second top 10 team in as many days after they came from behind to upset No. 2 Xavier (La.) at home Saturday, 5-2, in Canton.

The Gold Nuggets, who are slotted third overall from the last 2021 NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll, were able to split the day between the two schools after taking care of business on the women's side, 6-1.

In men's competition, Reinhardt collected five of the last six decisions after dropping the first overall point in doubles play. Martin Mendoza was able to help his squad grab the momentum and never look back after he recorded a 6-2, 6-4 outcome at line two in singles. He was a part of a group – No. 2 through No. 6 – that stood tall against the Gold Rush and came out victorious in each matchup.

Jordi Puig Molina won 7-5, 6-4, and was joined by Federico Gomez (7-5, 6-1), Sam Alexander (6-3, 6-7, 10-8) and Pau Pujadas (6-1, 6-3).

Xavier also claimed 2-of-3 doubles matches on the women's side, but this time it wouldn't relinquish the advantage to the hometown club.

Glauka Carvajal and Ana Rodriguez were able to grab a win at No. 1 doubles, but it wasn't enough to get the Eagles over the hump in the first set of matches.

Stephanie Fernandez tried her best to keep Reinhardt afloat in the non-conference battle at No. 1 singles, 7-5, 6-3, but she would be the only Eagle player to snag a win the rest of the way. The Gold Nuggets would show the strength of their depth after taking each of the final five get-togethers on lines 2-6.

Next up is a morning matchup tomorrow against NCAA Division II Bluefield State (W.Va.) beginning at 10 a.m. at BridgeMill. 

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For more information on Reinhardt Men's Tennis, please click here, and Reinhardt Women's Tennis here.