STU Tennis advances into the 2nd Round

Rifkin and Gayoso lead the Bobcats with 2 wins a piece

5/17/2011 10:51:56 PM

Mobile, Ala—The 17th seeded STU tennis team was able to outlast the 16th seeded Aquinas (Mich.) Saints by a final score of 5 matches to 4 on Tuesday morning in the opening match of the NAIA Tennis National Championships.
Tennis nationals 2011

STU was able to win 2 of the three double matches giving them a 2-1 lead after three matches.  Winning their doubles matches by a final score of 8 games to 5 were Andrew Rifkin and Federico Acevado over John Telfer and Travis Wolf of Aquinas.  In the other doubles victory Gonzalo Gayoso and Jeremy Bache were able to pull of the 8-6 win over Kyle Masteller and Bradon Petz.

In singles, Bache won the first set easily 6-0, along with Gayoso (6-3) and Nicolas Etienne (6-2) following suit.  Soon thereafter momentum would swing in the way of the Saints when #1 player Aaron Hendrick took the first set from Adrian Escarate 6-4, and with Acevedo losing both sets quickly 6-3, 6-0. 

Etienne came from a near fatal 5-2 deficit in the 2nd set eventually retiring his opponent 6-2, 7-5 putting the Bobcats up 3-2.  Unfortunately Bache could not hold his lead as he dropped second set 6-0 and the third 6-1.

With the match tied at 3-3 the Bobcats found themselves in a 'must' win situation having to win two matches with three left to play.  With Escarate bowing out after a grueling match that left Gayoso and Rifkin on the courts with the Bobcats season on the line.  After losing the second set 6-4, Gayoso eventually overcame his opponent Nik Artaev in dramatic fashion winning the final set 6-4.  Rifkin had a theatrical tie-breaking adventure eventually winning 14-12 to seal the victory.

The Bobcats now move on the play the top seeded Fresno Pacific (Calif.) Sunbirds and their impressive 21-2 record.  


To view all match results click here 

 

 

 

 

 

                  

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