ROME, Ga. (October 15, 2022) – Lubbock Christian University's Martins Abamu completed his stay at the 2022 ITA Cup with a victory in men's singles action to complete his national championship appearance with a 1-2 record.
 
Abamu's win Saturday came against No.4-seed Brennen Cimpeanu of Hillsdale College (Mich.), who was a NCAA Division II All-America selection last season and was No.15 nationally ranked by the ITA. He won the match in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) to put his singles record at 11-3 this season.
 
Abamu, who arrived to the 16-player national championship event after winning the ITA South Central Regional, opened his play Thursday falling to Ruben Fonga of Tiffin. Fonga won the opening set 6-3 and was able to hold off Abamu in the third set by winning the tiebreaker to win the set 7-6. Abamu was under-the-weather Friday, as he faced No.2-seed Alejandro Ibanez Gallego of Barry College (Ga.). The two played one set of their match (Ibanez Gallego won the set 6-0) before Abamu withdrew from the match.
 
The event is LCU's final men's tennis event of the fall. Their spring schedule has not been announced. Abamu is LCU's first ITA Cup qualifier and his win Saturday marked LCU's first singles victory all-time at the event.
 

REGAL SPEEGLE

WHAT HEAD COACH JASON SPEEGLE HAD TO SAY

"It was such a great experience for Martins to represent LCU at the ITA Cup this week. The field was very strong. I am happy that he was able to end the week with a victory. I am very proud of Martins!"

RESULTS

Round of 16
Ruben Fonga (Tiffin) def. Martins Abamu (Lubbock Christian) 6-3, 7-6 (7-0)16

West Bracket Quarter
A. Ibanez Gallego (2) (Berry College (Ga.)) def. Martins Abamu (Lubbock Christian) 6-0, retired

South Semifinal
Martins Abamu (Lubbock Christian) def. Brennan Cimpeanu (4) (Hillsdale College (Mich.)) 6-2, 6-2