No. 14 U of R Men's Tennis Stuns No. 7 Cal Lutheran in Dramatic Comeback at ITA Indoors

Ted Burchett provided two wins in the Bulldogs' 5-4 comeback over Cal Lutheran at the ITA National Indoors.
Ted Burchett provided two wins in the Bulldogs' 5-4 comeback over Cal Lutheran at the ITA National Indoors.
Posted: Feb 22, 2014

For the first time in all but one of the current players' careers, the No. 14 University of Redlands men's tennis team knocked off No. 7 Cal Lutheran University, as the Bulldogs upset the Kingsmen in a 5-4 decision earlier today.  After trailing 1-4 in the consolation semifinal of the 2014 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Indoor Championship, the Bulldogs rallied back to tie it up at four-all with stellar three-set performances.  Finally, with the match decision on his racket, freshman Tom Suchodolski (Amherst, MA) stepped up in a big-time way to secure the exciting comeback for the Maroon and Gray.

In doubles action, the Bulldogs nabbed the first point with Suchodolski and junior Ted Burchett (Gold River, CA) teaming up at the No. 3 spot to win by a score of 8-2.

However, CLU fired right back to take the next two matches, winning with an 8-6 decision at No. 2, and then earning an 8-4 triumph at the top slot.

Needing four of the six singles matches, the Bulldogs faced an uphill battle that demanded incredible determination and heart.

The Kingsmen appeared to be knocking on the door of victory when their No. 1 player came off the court with a two-set victory.  In the first of five three-setters on the day, CLU then prevailed at No. 6 to move within one point of the overall match-win.

Despite facing a significant hole, Redlands refused to go away against this familiar foe.

The Bulldogs looked to junior Nick Cummins (Rancho Mirage, CA) to initiate the comeback when he nabbed a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 2. Then, Burchett took care of his No. 5 opponent by scores of 6-4, 5-7, 6-1, to keep the Maroon and Gray's hopes alive.  Playing at No.3, freshman Parker Wilson (Carlsbad, CA) rode Redlands' newfound momentum through his three-set victory, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-1, propelling the Bulldogs into a tie with one match remaining.

Finally, Suchodolski clinched the deciding point with a solid, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 showing at No. 4, sending the Bulldogs into a celebration on his court.  He led 5-4 in the third and then broke his opponent's serve to nab the critical victory.

This marks Redlands' first win over Cal Lutheran since April 23, 2011.

The Bulldogs (2-1) now face third-seeded and sixth-ranked Emory University (GA) in the consolation final for fifth place in the National Indoor Championship later today at 5 p.m. EST. Emory defeated Kenyon College (OH) in this morning's other match by a score of 5-4.  Fans may follow the action through live stats.