Though the SIUC men’s tennis team won two matches it expected to win this weekend, a loss to a open the team’s conference schedule turned the weekend into disappointment.

The Salukis began the four-meet weekend Friday against their first conference rival University of Evansville in Evansville, Ind. The Salukis then traveled to Indianapolis, Ind., to face non-conference opponents Valparaiso University and Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis Saturday before finishing against Butler University Sunday.

The Salukis began the weekend strong against conference rival Evansville, sweeping all three doubles matches to start the meet 1-0 going into singles play. The Salukis needed to win three of the six singles matches to open conference play with a victory.

Advertisement

SIUC fell short as sophomore Kenny Hutz defeated Steve Brockriede 6-0, 6-2, and senior Jack Oxler defeated Stephen Hawkes 6-2, 6-0. But the Salukis could not come up with the third win, leaving them with a 4-3 loss.

It was a stressful and emotional day, coach Brad Iftner said. We played so well in doubles, and I was so excited to be up 1-0 starting the singles matches. We had our chances to win, we just could not take advantage of our opportunities.

Rain forced the matches on Saturday to be delayed, causing abbreviated meets against Valparaiso and IUPUI. After the rain had ceased, the Salukis continued their strong doubles play against Valparaiso, winning two of the three doubles matches again going up 1-0 early.

Since the Indianapolis facility has only four courts, the No. 5 and No. 6 players had to wait for a court to open before they could begin their matches. SIUC swept the first four single matches to claim the 5-0 lead before the No. 5 and 6 players could play. Both coaches decided stop play to save time, giving the Salukis the victory.

All four singles matches were close, according to Ifner. Top performances came from Hutz, who needed three sets to defeat Rustam Vrezv 6-1, 2-6, 6-2. Sophomore Mick Smyth defeated Cliff Barnett 6-4, 6-1.

We felt we were just a slight favorite, Iftner said. But to win 5-0 was really good.

The earlier rain delay forced a late start against IUPUI. Both coaches decided to start the meet with singles competition to see if the meet could be decided and save time.

Advertisement*

The Salukis swept all six matches without losing one set, deciding the meet early. Play was discontinued, leaving the Salukis with a 6-0 victory

We were definitely a favorite, Iftner said. But to not lose a single set, I was very proud of our effort.

Going in to the final meet of the weekend, the Salukis knew that Butler would be the toughest opponent of the weekend.

SIUC only won one doubles match as the combination of Hutz and senior Brian Etzkin lost their first match of the season, falling to 3-1 on the season. Sophomore Mick Smyth was the only Saluki to claim a victory in singles play, defeating Nate Schaffner 7-5, 6-3.

Going 2-2 on the weekend leaves SIUC with a 5-8 season record and 0-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Salukis continue conference play at home this weekend against Wichita State University and Southwest Missouri State University.

The SIUC men’s tennis team continues conference play at home this weekend against Wichita State University Saturday and Southwest Missouri State University Sunday.