TEMPE, Ariz.- The Wildcats were named the Diablo College Tennis Invitational Champions this weekend after three days of competition and two ranked wins. Arizona brought home the title as they defended the courts against No.15 Michigan State with a 4-1 victory.
The Cats had come off a great two wins advancing to the finals after defeating Grand Canyon 4-0 and No. 36 Michigan 4-1.
To start of the day, the Cats were quick to put themselves in the lead by claiming the doubles point. Herman Hoeyeraal and Eric Padgham represented Arizona on court one, earning the first win of the day 6-3. No.11 Colton Smith and Jay Friend obtained the doubles point after a 6-4 takedown. Following that was No.49 Gustaf Strom and Alexander Rozin with a 6-3 victory.
The Cats quickly extended their lead as Hoeyeraal went 3-0 in straight-set for the weekend, finishing his performance 6-3, 6-2. Casper Christensen was the next Wildcat to put a point on the board after taking down his opponent 6-3, 6-3. Michigan put themselves on the board after claiming the point on court two. Arizona fought for the final point as the rest of the deciding matches went to the third set.
No.6 and Captain Colton Smith took down No.19 Ronald Hohmann 5-7, 7-5, 6-1 to not only earn a ranked win, but name Arizona the Diablo College Tennis Invitational Champions.
The Wildcats head into next week with two ranked victories. Arizona will return to action in two weeks. Sunday, March 17 at 12:00 PM MST at LaNelle Robson Tennis Center.
Match Results
Doubles competition
1. Herman Hoeyeraal/Eric Padgham (UA) def. Ozan Baris/Aristotelis Thanos (MSU) 6-3
2. #11 Colton Smith/Jay Friend (UA) def. Taym Alazmeh/Ronald Hohmann (MSU) 6-4
3. #49 Sasha Rozin/Gustaf Strom (UA) def. Max Sheldon/Graydon Lair (MSU) 6-3
Singles competition
1. #6 Colton Smith (UA) def. #19 Ronald Hohmann (MSU) 5-7, 7-5, 6-1
2. #4 Ozan Baris (MSU) def. Gustaf Strom (UA) 6-4, 6-2
3. #39 Jay Friend (UA) vs. Aristotelis Thanos (MSU) 4-6, 6-2, 5-4, unfinished
4. #76 Nick Lagaev (UA) vs. Sebastien Collard (MSU) 6-3, 4-6, 1-2, unfinished
5. Herman Hoeyeraal (UA) def. David Saye (MSU) 6-3, 6-2
6. Casper Christianson (UA) def. Taym Alazmeh (MSU) 6-3, 6-3
Match Notes:
Michigan State 14-2; National ranking #15 Arizona 12-2; National ranking #9
Order of finish: Doubles (1,2,3); Singles…
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