REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Men's Tennis team remains hot, extending their winning streak to three matches as they cruised to the 8-1 victory against No. 34 Vassar College Wednesday afternoon.
The Bulldogs improve to 3-1 and have now beaten their third straight nationally-ranked opponent, including No. 18 Mary Washington (5-4), No. 25 Christopher Newport (6-3), and now No. 34 Vassar College (8-1).
Redlands got off to a strong start taking two of three doubles to go in front early. All three teams started off slowly but then found their rhythm halfway through their respective matches. University of Redlands Head Men's Tennis Coach Peter Yellico put together a new team at the top spot, combining Stefan Hester (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) and Thomas Reznik (Belmont, CA). Despite it being their first match together they looked solid pulling out a late break to pick up the first point 8-5.
The No. 2 team was also put together for the first time this season, which included Andrew Yip and Jack Mattox (Mercer Island, WA) and these two rolled to the 8-3 victory moving the score to 2-0. The last match on court was Donovan Lilov (San Diego, CA) and Max Hoffman (Taipei, Taiwan) at No. 3. The duo was broken late at 6-4 but was able to get the break right back to remain on serve at 6-5. This momentum would stall however as the Brewers would take the final two games to cut the deficit in half at 2-1.
In singles, it was all Maroon and Grey sweeping the competition while seeing two matches go the distance. Yip who moved from No. 2 to No. 3 in the lineup got to work quickly and dismissed his opponent 6-2, 6-1 giving UR their third point on the afternoon. Hester followed with the fourth point winning 6-2, 7-6 (4) at the top spot, as he wins his third straight match and Lilov would clinch the victory at No. 4 with a straight-sets decision 6-4, 6-0.
But the Bulldogs weren't done as first-year Mattox, who found himself in the No. 2 spot for the first time impressed with a 6-4, 7-6 (1) win moving the score to 6-1. Then the three-setters came in with the Bulldogs prevailing in both. Hoffman earned his spot in the lineup at No. 6 and after dropping the first set 6-3, was able to battle back to win 6-2, 10-5. Josh Nelson (Montrose, NY) completed the clean sweep at No. 5 and he too found himself trailing 6-3 after the first set but was also able to get back into the match, eventually coming out on top 6-3, 7-6 (5).
Redlands returns to the courts this Saturday, March 12 when they host Hardin-Simmons beginning at 12:00pm.
Coach's Thoughts
"Doubles was a lot better today. We are starting to find our energy and intensity, we just need to be able to get out of the gates quicker. The men all competed hard and showed a lot of purpose in singles and are starting to gain confidence match after match."
Coach's Shoutout
"Donovan Lilov came out after a disappointing loss in doubles to take care of business in his singles match. He again secured the victory for the team and I am really happy for him and how he is remaining focused and competing day in and day out."
