TULSA, Okla. – Monmouth University tennis player Victor Pugliese (Boulogne, France/CNED [San Diego]) became the first Hawk to compete at the annual 2014 Saint Francis ITA All-American Championships, held at the University of Tulsa, last week. The senior, who was the eighth alternate into the qualifying draw, was seeded eighth in the pre-qualifying singles.

In the opening round of play, Pugliese took on Louisville's Albert Wagner who registered a 6-4, 6-1 win to send him to the consolation bracket where he squared off against Texas Christian's Guillermo Nunez. The second-year Hawk opened with a 7-5 win in the first set before Nunez staged a comeback, taking the next two sets, 6-0, 6-1.

“This was a great experience for Victor and even though he didn't win, it really put Monmouth on the national map as we got to compete with the top players from the top teams in the nation,” commented head coach Cory Hubbard. “I think the heat definitely played a factor in his second match of the day. After coming back from injury the week before, Victor was not in shape to play five sets in one day. It was a disappointing result because I feel if he had played up to his level, he could've won both matches.”

Pugliese, the 2014 MAAC Player of the Year, turned in one of the best individual seasons in recent memories last year. The No. 1 singles player registered a 22-4 overall record, including a 16-1 dual match record. The Frenchman enters this year unbeaten in his last 16 dual matches, etching 14 wins in the process, while totaling 13 total wins in doubles play en route to All-MAAC Second Team Doubles honors.

Pugliese and the Hawks conclude their fall slate next weekend at the ITA Regional Championship which will be held at St. John's in New York.

Tennis Tournament Results
Saint Francis ITA All-American Champ.
Sept 29-30, 2014 at Tulsa, Okla.

Singles competition
Wagner, Albert (Louisville) def. Pugliese, Victor (Monmouth) 6-4, 6-1
Nunez, Guillmero (Texas Christian) def. Pugliese, Victor (Monmouth) 5-7, 6-0, 6-1