ITHACA, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's tennis team staged an impressive comeback on the road, rallying from a 0-3 deficit to defeat Ithaca, 4-3, in a marathon match that spanned more than four and a half hours.

The match began with RPI earning a point at No. 1 doubles, as Tsubasa Okada and Tasmay Shah secured a 6-3 victory. Ithaca responded with wins at the second and third doubles positions, including a default at No. 3, to take a 1-0 advantage heading into singles play. 

The Bombers extended their advantage to 3-0 following a default at No. 6 singles and a quick triumph in No. 3, putting the Engineers in an early hole.

RPI responded with a determined effort across the remaining singles matches, winning four straight to complete the comeback. At the top of the lineup, Okada began the rally with a strong 6-3, 6-2 victory, while Shah followed with a composed performance at No. 2 singles, earning a 6-3, 7-6 win to keep the Engineers within striking distance.

The momentum continued as Felix Puyplat delivered a key point at No. 5 singles, posting a 6-4, 6-4 victory to even the match. That set the stage for the decisive contest at No. 4 singles, where Gustave Viennet battled through a three-set match. After taking the opening set 6-3, dropping the second 4-6, Viennet regrouped to secure a 6-4 win in the final set, clinching the match for RPI.

The Engineers next host Union on Tuesday afternoon at home on Sharp Courts.