Craig was tasked with UCLA’s Emon van Lobel Sels for his second round match after completing one of his many three-set comebacks in the first round. The two exchanged service games back-and-forth at 2-2 before Craig found his rhythm and recorded two service breaks to rattle off four consecutive games and win the first set 6-2. 

Craig continued his form with another four game win streak to take a demanding hold of the match and blanked his opponent in the final game to secure his spot in the third round. The Boston University transfer has ascended into one of the fastest growing stars in collegiate tennis as he was awarded his first career All-American title in his first semester as a Seminole.

Jamie Connel was also looking to secure his spot in the next round and met No. 14 Thomas Paulsell for the second time this season. Connel upset the Georgia player in the ITA Southeast Regional Championships before becoming co-champion of the tournament.

Connel shook off a tough first set by notching the opening three games of the following set and finished with three consecutive games to earn a dominant 6-1 second set. Paulsell won five consecutive games to seal his spot into the third round.

Youcef Rihane and Alex Bulte began their doubles run with a first round battle against a top-25 ranked pairing from Columbia. The Seminole pairing was able break two service games and won the first set 6-3.

Rihane and Bulte pounced on the set lead opportunity and opened with an incredible 4-0 lead in the second frame. The senior pairing made quick work of their opponent and secured their place in the second round. This marks a second consecutive season with a Seminole pairing in the NCAA Doubles Round of 16.

The winners advance to the Round of 16 on Thursday. Craig will battle the No. 11 Paul Inchauspe of Princeton for a spot in the quarterfinals while Rihane and Bulte look to secure All-American status against the Liberty pairing of  Joaquim Almeida and Siwanat Auytayakul.

Live video and stats will be available at Seminoles.com.

NCAA  – Men’s Singles Main Draw – Round of 32

Corey Craig (FSU) def. Emon van Lobel Sels (UCLA) 6-2, 6-2

 #14 Thomas Paulsell (UGA) def. #82 Jamie Connel (FSU) 6-2, 1-6, 6-1

NCAA  – Men’s Doubles Main Draw – Round of 32

#41 Youcef Rihane/Alex Bulte (FSU) def. #21 Hugo Hashimoto/Michael Zheng (COL) 6-3, 6-1

NCAA  – Men’s Singles Main Draw – Round of 16

Corey Craig (FSU) vs. #11 Paul Inchauspe (PRIN)

NCAA  – Men’s Doubles Main Draw – Round of 16

#41 Youcef Rihane/Alex Bulte (FSU) vs. Joaquim Almeida/Siwanat Auytayakul (LIB)

For more information on the Florida State men’s tennis program, check Seminoles.com and follow us on social media at Florida State Men’s Tennis (FB) and FSUMTennis (IG and X).