AUSTIN, Texas – The Wildcats swept the FAU Owls 4-0 in round one of the ITA Kickoff after the match was moved indoors due to heavy rain. They will now compete against No. 6 Texas in the championship match on Sunday, Jan. 29 for a spot at the ITA Indoor Nationals.
Arizona played a swift round of doubles and finalized their victory with three straight set singles wins.
Two freshman Cats assisted in securing the doubles point against FAU. First off the court was Colton Smith and Jay Friend at the No. 3 spot with a 6-3 win over Alberto Colas and Filip Krolo. Next up, at No. 2 doubles, was Gustaf Strom and Eric Padgham who defeated Nicolas Acevedo and Finn Stodder also 6-3.
Singles play proved to be a battle against the Owls as No. 19 Jonas Ziverts, at one singles, and No. 78 Friend, at five singles, each dropped their first sets 4-6. But the Wildcats still came out victorious.
No. 54 Herman Hoeyeraal kept the lead against Joao Graca throughout the entire two sets at four singles. He took the first singles point of the day 6-3, 6-4. No. 85 Smith extended Arizona’s lead to 3-0 after he defeated Kevin Huempfner 6-1, 6-4, and No. 117 Strom clinched the match also defeating his opponent 6-1, 6-4.
The Wildcats now take on No. 6 Texas in the championship round tomorrow, Sunday. Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. MST. Despite dropping the doubles point, the Longhorns defeated No. 22 California 4-1 in round one of the ITA Kickoff.
The series between Arizona and Texas is tied 1-1. Last season the Wildcats defeated Texas in a historic 4-3 win in front of a roaring crowd at LaNelle Robson Tennis Center. Aside from tomorrow’s match, the Cats take on the Longhorns one other time in regular season play on Feb. 12, this time in Texas territory.
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