WORCESTER, MA — The Iona University men's tennis team returned to competition for the first time since 2003 on Friday, earning a 5-2 road victory over Holy Cross. The Gaels claimed the doubles point and four singles victories to secure the win in their 2026-27 season opener.
The victory also marked the first career head-coaching win for head coach
Katia Bogomolova.
MATCH SUMMARY
Iona opened the match with a sweep in doubles play to secure the first point of the afternoon. Rookie duo
Taylor Yarnell and
Leo Hsu earned a 6-4 victory at No. 1 doubles, while junior
Roko Kacer and freshman
Mark Taviloglu also posted a 6-4 win from the No. 2 position. Sophomore
Brandon Ramos and freshman
George Lyons completed the sweep with another 6-4 triumph at No. 3.
The Gaels carried the momentum into singles play, earning victories in four of the six matches. Ramos cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 3 singles, while Hsu picked up a 6-4, 6-3 win at No. 5.
Yusen Sato also won in straight sets from the No. 6 position, 7-6, 6-2.
Yarnell capped the victory with a battle at No. 2 singles. After dropping the opening set in a tiebreaker, he responded with a 6-2 win in the second before surviving the thrilling deciding tiebreaker, 15-13 to take the point. Holy Cross earned its two points with victories at No. 1 and No. 4 singles, bringing the final score to 5-2.
UP NEXT
The Gaels make their debut at the Meyer Athletic Center on Friday, September 25 at 1 p.m. with a dual meet against STAC.
