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MALIBU, Calif. -- The Pepperdine men's tennis team recently got back from a trip across the Atlantic, including stops in Paris and Montpelier, France, and Barcelona, Spain. The trip was highlighted by extremely competitive tennis from the Waves.

"The main goal of this trip was really to form a strong team bond," said Head Coach Marcelo Ferreira. "I think we really accomplished that. We got to get to know each other like we never had before, and it was a great way for the newcomers to get to know their teammates. Also having the opportunity to start practicing earlier and get a feel of how the season is going to be was certainly a bonus.

"I wanted to thank all of those involved in the organization of this trip and for all the generous donations that were made in order to make this trip come true. None of it would have happened if it wasn't for them."

The team arrived in Paris on Tuesday, August 8 and was treated to a tour of Paris, including a trip to the Eiffel Tower. The tennis began the next morning with the Tennis Club Ablon Villeneuve (TCAV) Open singles tournament. The four-day tournament provided the team an opportunity to hone their skills against talented players from Paris. Newcomer Brian Berdusco (Bradenton, Fla./Laurel Springs HS (Calif.)) reached the finals of the tournament.

"The European trip was an incredible bonding experience for our relatively young team," said senior Pedro Iamachkine (Lima, Peru/Nebraska HS). "We got to know each other better as individuals outside the so self-centered tennis environment, and got to know ourselves on a much deeper level. It was a trip full of great moments where we got to see interesting and unique places. I'm extremely appreciative for everyone who made this trip possible, I'm sure it will pay off as time goes by. Roll Waves!"

Between the action, the team was able to see some of the most famous sites in Paris, like the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Champs Elysee, the Louvre and the Versailles Palace.

On Saturday, August 12, the team headed to the train station for a three-hour train ride to Montpelier, where they were able to have a day at the beach including paddle boarding and kayaking on the lake, as well as face a local tennis club, ASCH Grables, in an exhibition match. Pepperdine won the dual by a staggering 6-1 decision.

"This trip proved to be an amazing experience both on and off the court in so many ways," said freshman Max Mendelsohn (Little Rock, Ark./Greenhill College Prep (Texas)). I was able to start my career as a Wave, see some absolutely amazing culture, and at the same time begin to establish relationships with my fellow teammates who someday I could see becoming much more like family. I could not be more blessed to have chosen a place such as Pepperdine that in such little time has already given me memories that will last a lifetime."

Tuesday, August 15 was a day for the team to relax at one of the most famous regions in Spain, Costa Brava, before heading to Barcelona for some more tennis. During that time, the team immersed themselves in the culture and went banana boating and ate paella at a very traditional Spanish restaurant.

During the first day in Barcelona, the team took a bicycle tour to famous landmarks in the city, including Placa Catalunya, Placa Espanya, and the Olympic sites at Montjuic, along with the stunning views from Montjuic Castle.

"The foreign tour allowed us to be closer as a team and embrace each other as family even more," said sophomore Dane Esses (Houston, Texas/Memorial HS). "The experiences that we went through were unforgettable and will help us so much on and off the court. I know the results of this trip will be visible during the season whenever we step on the court to fight for each other."

On their last day in Europe, the team played an exhibition match at the Walter Grunfeld Tennis Academy in Barcelona, winning the exhibition match 6-1, before heading home the morning after.

"It was an awesome experience to really feel part of this team," said Assistant Coach Ben Mullis. "I immensely enjoyed getting to see the guys practice and compete as well as getting to spend time with them as we saw some amazing sites. This kind of team bonding will separate us from other teams come crunch time."

Follow the Pepperdine men's tennis team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @PeppTennis. For all current schedules, updated information and recaps, go to www.PepperdineWaves.com.

Check out a full gallery of the trip here: