Norfolk, Va. – The Spartans have a home and an away match on deck for this weekend, but they need not travel far. Norfolk State (0-10) faces Hampton (2-13) in a "Battle of the Bay" rematch on Friday at 1 p.m. at Neilson-Screen Stadium, before returning to NSU Tennis Complex the next day for a showdown with Virginia State (0-2).

First Hampton Meeting

The Spartans will seek revenge when they square off against the Pirates on Friday, losing the foes' first meeting of the season 4-0 at NSU Tennis Complex on Mar. 11.

The second edition of this year's rivalry matchup could set up part two of a heavyweight battle at No. 1 singles. Hampton's Ange-Kevin Kou defeated NSU senior Federico Rebecchini, 6-2, 3-6, 1-0 (10-6) in March, fending off Rebecchini's comeback by squeaking out a win in the third set tiebreak.  

Ibrahim Abbas lost 6-1, 6-3 to Hampton's Fayzullokhon Mavlyudov at No. 2 singles, while Roosevelt Brown III and Jeremiah Zellander fell 6-0, 6-0 at positions No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

Hugo Massoni Lena missed NSU's first three matches, including the first meeting with Hampton. The freshman has since established himself as No. 2 in the Spartans' singles lineup and could make a significant difference in NSU's depth for the rematch.

Scouting the Pirates and Trojans

Hampton's lineup has shuffled throughout the year, but Kou has shouldered the primary load at No. 1 singles, posting a 4-8 record in his first season.

Donte Armbrister has quietly put together a strong campaign at the No. 4 singles spot. Although he's struggled at other positions, when playing at No. 4 he is 4-3 this year.

VSU has only played two matches this season, with meetings against West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Salem, Johnson & Wales, and Hampton either postponed or cancelled. Saturday will be the team's first match in over two weeks.

The Trojans lost to Chowan 7-0, before falling to Shaw University by the same score. Nigel Steward played No. 1 singles in both matches, nearly forcing a third set in a 6-1, 7-5 loss to Chowan's Aser Shaaban.