Box Score ROME, Ga. - Aniss Rafiq represented the Flagler College men's tennis team at the 2024 Intercollegiate Tennis Associate (ITA) Cup this weekend at the Rome Tennis Center.

The four-day tournament began on Thursday, Oct. 10 and will span till the final match on Sunday, Oct. 13. The tournament consists of 16 athletes, representing 14 different institutions across the country, all of whom either won their ITA Regionals tournament, or performed in some capacity to earn a qualification.

The only freshman to make an appearance at the tournament, Rafiq lost in the final match of the ITA Southeast Regionals tournament in three sets as the No. 6 seed. Coming into the tournament unseeded, Rafiq made an incredible first impression, winning in the Round of 16 to send him to the quarters. 

In his first round, Rafiq faced Vaclav Schneider of Washburn University. Schneider lost in the final round to teammate Tim Hammes in ITA Central regional tournament. Taking the first set 7-5, Rafiq dropped the second before flexing his endurance and defeating Schneider 6-1 in the third set. 

The quarterfinal round saw Rafiq take on No. 3 seed Boruch Skierkier of Valdosta State University, where he met his end in two sets. On Saturday, Rafiq played a consolation match against Mississippi College representative and No. 2 seed, Alex Benichou Blanchard, losing in two sets but not before forcing his first set to a tie break.

The team will be on the court next week at the Southern Open in Jacksonville, Florida on Oct. 19.