Binghamton University men’s tennis team took part in University of Virginia’s 11th annual UVA Fall Classic over the weekend and this time it was sophomore Robin Lesage who put together an outstanding outing, capturing the singles flight championship title for the Bearcats.

Lesage won three straight matches before moving onto the finals, where he played Julen Uriguen, a senior from Virginia. Although Lesage won, the victory was hard-earned. Uriguen has been nationally ranked every year prior to his senior year, so Lesage found himself with his back against the wall when he dropped the first set 0-6. But the sophomore bounced back with a 6-2 win before taking the match with a 10-7 third set victory.

“Robin played exceptionally well,” head coach Adam Cohen said. “Winning four consecutive matches, it was very encouraging for the team.”

In his first three matches, Lesage dismissed opponents from Norfolk State University and University of Richmond in straight sets. He needed three sets to beat College of Charleston sophomore Sebastian Lopez in the semifinals, but he ultimately won, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1.

Not only was Lesage stellar in his singles performance, but he also shone in doubles with teammate Eliott Hureau, a freshman. Together they won the consolation “Black” doubles crown, after coming up with an 8-6 win over a doubles pair from Morgan State University.

The Bearcats brought only four members of the team to the tournament, so Lesage was the main highlight. Cohen said that while the team’s overall performance was good, it was not perfect.

“There will always be room for improvement,” Cohen said.

As to whether there will be any specific preparations for the next event, Cohen said that “practice will continue as usual, and nothing really special to focus on. We just have to work on getting better, so it’ll be the same old thing.”

The Bearcats are scheduled to resume play this weekend at Cornell University’s Fall Invitational.