Final Stats

Final Results

FORT WORTH, Texas - August Holmgren and Joel Gamerov remained undefeated in doubles play in 2018 but San Diego was unable to take down No. 24 Duke as the Toreros fell, 4-0.

A day after earning one of its biggest victories in program history, USD found itself on the other end of close decisions. The Toreros hung tough with the Blue Devils (3-0) throughout the match but came up short of pulling off its second straight upset.

"We fought hard today but fell short in moments we needed to be brave," said head coach Ryan Keckley. "We came out of the gates determined and captured the momentum early during the doubles point. We were up in all three matches and couldn't find it when we needed it most."

Holmgren and Gamerov got USD off to a quick start claiming a decisive, 6-2, decision in the No. 2 position. However, Duke earned a 6-4 decision in the No. 1 spot and a 6-3 result in the No. 3 position to win the doubles point and take a 1-0 lead.

"In singles, Duke came out more aggressive and ready to fight," said Keckley. "Give them all the credit, they are a well-coached team and competed better in the bigger moments. We need to be mentally strong enough to conquer the opportunities earned. We had the chance to make it interesting and that's what good teams do, they stick around throughout the entire match."

The Blue Devils doubled their lead when Sean Sculey defeated Nico Borter, 6-3, 6-3, in the No. 4 spot.

Alexandros Araouzos kept it tight against Ryan Dickerson in the No. 5 position in the first set but fell just short, 7-5. Dickerson claimed the victory with a, 6-2, result in the second set and gave the Blue Devils a 3-0 lead.

Holmgren nearly took the first set against No. 81 Spencer Furman but was edged, 7-6 (8-6). Spencer won the second set, 6-2.

It was a tough decision for the Toreros, which held advantages in the other three singles matches. David Norfeldt was level with Jason Lapidus, 1-1, and held a 4-2 advantage in the third set.

Gui Osorio was level with Catalin Mateas, 1-1, after winning the second set, 6-0. The duo were tied, 5-5, in the third set.

Gamerov lost a close first set to Nick Stachowiak, 7-6 (8-6), but was leading in the second set, 5-4, before the match was halted.

"Overall, we learned a lot this weekend and this experience will help this young team tremendously throughout the course of the season," said Keckley.

The Toreros will have next week off and will look to bounce back Feb. 11 when it plays host to UC Santa Barbara at noon PT.