Kriish Tyagi Shines As Texas A&M Overpower Florida State 4-1
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The No. 8 Texas A&M men’s tennis team showcased its formidable singles power on Friday, overcoming an early doubles deficit to defeat Florida State 4-1 at the Scott Speicher Memorial Tennis Center. While junior Tiago Pires ultimately clinched the match for the Aggies, it was the stellar performance of freshman Kriish Tyagi that truly highlighted the depth and rising talent within the Maroon & White.
The Aggies (6-0) initially stumbled in doubles action, dropping lines one and three. However, the consistent play of the No. 33 duo of Alex Frusina and Kholo Montsi secured a 6-2 victory on court two, keeping the Aggies within striking distance.
As singles play began, the tide swiftly turned in Texas A&M’s favor. Senior Togan Tokac wasted no time putting the Aggies on the scoreboard, delivering a commanding 6-1, 6-0 victory over No. 52 Mohammad Alkotop on court five. This decisive win set the tone for the singles dominance that was to follow.
The momentum continued with the impressive play of freshman Kriish Tyagi. Stepping onto court six, Tyagi displayed remarkable composure and skill, systematically dismantling Florida State’s Gabor Hornung with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 victory. Tyagi’s win gave the Aggies their first lead of the match and underscored his growing importance to the team.
Montsi then further extended the Aggies’ advantage, dispatching Erik Schiessl 6-3, 6-3 on court three, pushing his dual record to an unblemished 5-0 and putting Texas A&M just one point away from securing the victory.
The honor of clinching the match ultimately fell to junior Tiago Pires. In a hard-fought battle on court four, Pires overcame No. 91 Azariah Rusher. After a tightly contested first set that Pires edged out 7-5, he found another gear, dominating the second set 6-0 to secure the overall team win for the Aggies.
The Texas A&M men’s tennis team continues its strong start to the season, demonstrating not only the prowess of its seasoned players but also the exciting potential of its newer additions like Kriish Tyagi. The Aggies will return to the Lone Star State to face Baylor at the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center on Monday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m.
Match Results
Singles Results
- #42 Papamalamis (TAMU) vs. #82 Miguel (FSU) 7-5, 2-2, unfinished
- Frusina (TAMU) vs. Craig (FSU) 4-6, 5-1, unfinished
- Montsi (TAMU) def. Schiessl (FSU) 6-3, 6-3
- Pires (TAMU) def. #91 Rusher (FSU) 7-5, 6-0
- Tokac (TAMU) def. #52 Alkotop (FSU) 6-1, 6-0
- Tyagi (TAMU) def. Hornung (FSU) 6-1, 6-3 *Order of finish: 5, 6, 3, 4
Double Results
- Schiessl/Miguel (FSU) def. Papamalamis/Tokac (TAMU) 6-4
- #33 Montsi/Frusina (TAMU) def. Rusher/Alkotop (FSU) 6-2
- Ezerzer/Hornung (FSU) def. Skrobarcek/Patil (TAMU) 6-1 *Order of finish: 3, 2, 1
