MACON, Ga. | Several Alabama State student-athletes advanced through bracket play at the Mercer Gridiron Classic this weekend in Macon (Ga.), hosted by Mercer.
 
On the men's side, Juan Rodriguez impressed in his first outing as a member of the tennis program as he claimed the Flight C consolation championship. After falling in his first match against Santino Romeo of Middle Georgia State (6-3, 6-4), he fought his way back with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Sam Schiano of USC Upstate. He followed that up with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Alejandro Prada of Middle Georgia State; before claiming the title with a hard-fought 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (8) victory over John Sakellarides of Florida Southern.
 
He also partnered with Chris Andre to win a doubles match in Flight B, when the duo defeated Jordan Mark and John Wharton of Mercer 6-4.
 
Ion Efrim reached the quarterfinals in Flight A with two wins in the opening round, defeating Drew Lahey of Kennesaw State 6-1, 6-2. He followed that up with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win over Psacal Wagemaker from Georgia Southern, before falling in a hard-fought three-set match to Andrel Duarte Georgia State; 2-6, 6-2, 2-6.
 
Tomas Fernandez reached the Round of 16 in Flight B after a 6-4, 4-6 6-2 victory over Valentine Hertweck from Florida Southern. He fell to Sergio Lizarraga from Jacksonville; 6-2, 6-2 in the second round. Alexis Collard also reached the Round of 16 in Flight B with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over North Florida's Joe Ellis; before falling to Harvey Maughan of Kennesaw State 6-2, 7-6 (4).
 
Andre reached the second round of the Flight B Consolation Bracket after falling to Luka Elbe USC Upstate 6-4, 6-2. He then defeated Shaaz Peerani Troy 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 (4); before falling to Hikaru Nagoshi of Florida Southern 6-1, 6-7 (4), 1-0 (8).
 
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