Daniel Phillips played a starring role as Tulane University asserted their dominance in the New Orleans derby, securing a comprehensive 6–1 victory over the University of New Orleans.
The contest began with a hard-fought battle for the doubles point. Occupying the prestigious number one doubles spot, Phillips paired with Lance Nisbet to face the Privateers’ duo of Jacob Rouleau-Mailly and Jerall Yasin. In a neck-and-neck encounter, the match was poised at 5–5 when it was officially halted, as Tulane had already secured the doubles point on other courts to take an early lead in the tie.
However, it was in the singles competition where Phillips truly showcased his resilience. Taking on the number one spot, Phillips faced a familiar foe in Rouleau-Mailly in what would become the match of the afternoon. Phillips started with intent, utilizing his aggressive baseline game to take the opening set 6–3. The momentum shifted in the second, as Rouleau-Mailly responded with a 6–3 win of his own to force a deciding set.
The final set proved to be a grueling test of nerves, with neither player able to find a decisive break of serve. With the scores locked at six games apiece, the match moved into a high-stakes tie-breaker. Phillips showed immense composure under pressure, pulling away to win the tie-break 7–4 and claim the match 7–6 in the third. The victory not only secured a vital point for the Green Wave but also underscored Phillips' growing reputation as a formidable lead player in the collegiate ranks.
|
