Men's tennis to host Senior Day this Sunday

PHOENIX – The GCU men's tennis team will honor four seniors this Sunday before the match with Chicago State at 9 a.m. At Senior Day, Adrian Legarreta, Philip Kuehnen, Mathieu Ounanian, and Rafael Lira will be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program over the past four years.

"Just like the women's team, we'll be seeing off four senior men this Sunday," head coach Greg Prudhomme said. "It's a great bunch of guys and we will be sad to see them go. They've done a great job representing GCU and the tennis program in their level of play and the results that they've shown over the years. They also do a great job in the classroom and with behavior."

Legarreta has consistently played in the top six for singles over the years. This season, he has held down the No. 3 position in singles and the No. 1 slot in doubles play. Legarreta has excelled at the year-ending Ojai Tournament for the past few seasons, earning runner-up in the singles championships in back-to-back years. He also won the WAC Freshman of the year award during his first season with GCU. His energy and voice are impossible to miss at every GCU match.

This season, Legarreta is partnered with Kuehnen in the doubles lineup for the second time. Two years ago, they played at No. 1 and had a great record, winning First Team WAC Doubles. After a full year layoff due to injury, Kuehnen was able to get back to the top of the lineup. He excelled in singles play during his freshman season as well, finishing with an 11-5 record and earning Second Team All-WAC Singles honors.

Prudhomme noted that both Legarreta and Kuehnen lead the team spirit this year. "They both have a lot to do with the team cohesion, as it's some of the best that we've had," Prudhomme added.

Ounanian had shown great versatility as a player. Prudhomme noted that he's always done a good job to keep his game sharp regardless of where he was needed. Ounanian is currently starting at No. 2 doubles with teammate Rajaonah. He also earned a 6-1 record in singles play during his first season as a Lope.

"He's not always known when we've needed him, but he's always ready and he's done a good job this year like he's done in other years where he's stepped in the lineup," Prudhomme praised. "It's a great way for him to finish his senior year."

"Rafa [Lira] has been the consummate gentlemen," added Prudhomme. "He does a great job in the classroom and all the guys on the team love him to death. That's a mark of great character when you're well-liked by your peers and your teammates."

Legarreta, Kuehnen, Ounanian, and Lira will compete in their last home match this Sunday, but still have away matches remaining. The Lopes are in the hunt for another WAC Championship and will compete in Seattle next weekend for two WAC matches before ending the season at the Ojai Tournament beginning on Thursday, April 27.

"It'll be tough to see the guys go, but I look forward to bright futures for all of them," Prudhomme commented. "I'm looking forward to seeing them play in their final home match this Sunday."

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Players Mentioned

Philip Kuehnen

Adrian Legarreta

Rafael Lira

Mathieu Ounanian

Grand Canyon University Athletics