TUSCON, Ariz.- Today marks two new chapters for the Arizona Men’s Tennis team. For the first time in history Arizona has not only hosted the ITA Kickoff Weekend but have won and head to the ITA National Indoor Championship. The was overjoyed in all that came with their 4-2 victory over No.24 Baylor.
The Wildcats rewrote their history books, earned a ranked win, and broke the 13-year streak Baylor maintained in qualifying for the indoor championship.
It was a battle until the end as almost all matches were played through, but one. The Wildcats had a similar start to Saturday earning the doubles point on courts one and two. Seniors Herman Hoeyeraal and Gustaf Strom put up the first 6-4 victory. Following, No.11 Colton Smith and Jay Friend secured the doubles point and lead for Arizona in a 6-4 victory.
Singles were tight battles however, No.34 Friend had two straight-set victories for the weekend. He put up a 6-4, 6-2 win to advance the lead for Arizona in the No. 2 spot.
Baylor soon tied up the score 2-2 as Hoeyeraal and Strom fell short in their matches in the third set. Not much after No.5 Colton Smith earned himself a ranked win after dominating No.32 Tadeas Paroulek 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 putting up a 3-2 lead, leaving Senior Nick Lagaev and Casper Christensen on the courts. To clinch the match Lagaev took down Luc Koenig 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.
“This has been something we have been working for since I got here 8 years ago.” explains Head Coach Clancy Shields. “We have knocked off many things as a group, but this accomplishment has eluded us. One of our motto’s this year was to create history, and I’m so proud of our seniors getting to experience this as a group and create this memory in New York! This team is special, they love Arizona, and they would not be denied today. I couldn’t be happier as a coach! New York here we come!”
The Cats continue their undefeated record now 4-0.
The Wildcats head to New York for the ITA National Indoor Championship hosted by Colombia University Feb. 16-19.
Arizona travels this weekend to California. They will compete against San Diego Fri. Feb. 2 at 12:00 PM (MST) and Pepperdine Sun. Feb. 4 at 12:00 PM (MST).
MATCH RESULTS
Arizona v. Baylor
Jan 27, 2024 at Tucson, Ariz.
(LaNelle Robson Tennis Center)
Arizona 4, Baylor 2
Doubles Competition
1 Colton…
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