First Collegiate Win Earns Bilbao AEC Men’s Tennis Player of the Week Title
Lancaster, Pa. – (3/29/2022) – Freshman Gustavo Bilbao (Madrid, Spain) earned his first collegiate win with a 7-6 (5), 6-4, number four singles victory in Gwynedd Mercy University’s 5-2 loss to Cairn University on March 21. Despite a 1-2 singles mark and a 0-3 doubles record, the victory was enough to earn Bilbao the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Men’s Tennis Player of the Week title.
Gwynedd Mercy University (0-5) welcomed Cairn University (4-5) to campus on Monday, March 21, for their first spring match of the season. Graduate Justin Collins (Springfield, Pa.) and Bilbao respectively scored the Griffins' points at number three (6-3, 6-4) and number four (7-6 (5), 6-4) singles. Unfortunately, the points were not enough to overcome the Highlanders in a 5-2 final. Bilbao also joined junior Christian Rice (Quakertown, Pa.) for an 8-1 loss at number one doubles.
Later in the week, Gwynedd Mercy University hosted Penn State Abington (2-3) and traveled to Penn State Brandywine (1-3) on back-to-back days. On Friday, March 25, the Nittany Lions got a jump start with the Griffins' default at number three doubles. They added to their lead with consecutive doubles wins in the first (8-1) and second (8-2) flights. Penn State Abington added to their advantage and won the match by a 9-0 margin with a sweep of singles play. Bilbao took part in an 8-1 loss at number three doubles and a 6-2, 6-4, loss at number four singles.
A busy schedule sent Gwynedd Mercy University to Penn State Brandywine on Saturday, March 26. The Nittany Lions defended their home courts in a 9-0 final. The Griffins surrendered points at number five singles, number six singles, and number three doubles. Penn State Brandywine added to the 1-0 head start with an 8-2 win at number one doubles and an 8-3 win at number two doubles; 3-0. From there, consecutive forfeit-wins at five and six singles guaranteed the Nittany Lions the win. Bilbao was part of the 8-2 loss at number one doubles and highlighted the Griffins' individual performances with his 6-2, 7-5, loss at number four singles.
Gwynedd Mercy University will look for revenge on Wednesday, March 30, when they host Penn State Brandywine for a 4:00 p.m. match.
