REDLANDS, Calif. – The No. 17 ranked University of Redlands Men's Tennis team was forced to come from behind Saturday afternoon digging out of a 3-0 hole to beat Hardin Simmons University 5-4 at the Verdieck Tennis Courts.
With the win the Maroon and Grey improve to 4-1 and have now won four straight.
It was a big hill to overcome and not many programs can say they pulled off a win after going behind 3-0, but the Bulldogs did just that, taking five of six singles matches to come away with one of their biggest wins of the season. In doubles the three teams went down in order 1-2-3. Stefan Hester (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) and Thomas Reznik (Belmont, CA) fell 8-4 at the top spot, while Jack Mattox (Mercer Island, WA)/Andrew Yip (Honolulu, HI) and Donovan Lilov (San Diego, CA)/Max Hoffman (Taipei, Taiwan) were broken late in each of their matches as they both were edged 8-6.
But Redlands wouldn't go down without a fight and they showed their tenacity in singles. Yip got UR on the scoreboard at No. 3 winning 6-2, 6-1. Reznik who found himself back in the singles lineup at No. 6 found his form taking down Lopez in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. Hester was looking to make it three wins in a row at No. 1, but couldn't keep the momentum going as he would drop 7-5, 6-3 to Pankovich putting HSU one point away from the upset.
This put the pressure on the last three matches playing and they rose to the occasion. Josh Nelson (Montrose, NY) pulled through coming from a set down at No. 5 to force a third, which he would eventually roll in 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 getting the Bulldogs within one 4-3. Mattox found himself also in a third set and after taking the opening frame 6-2 and dropping a second set tiebreaker 7-6 (5), was able to gain the momentum back going out in front 4-0 in the final stanza before seeing his opponent retire due to injury. This tied the match up at 4-4 forcing the decision to Lilov in the No. 4 slot. After cruising to the opening 6-2 win in the first set was unable to pick up the sweep dropping in a breaker 7-6 (5) forcing the final match into a third. It was back and forth early, but Lilov was able to come away with a late break at 6-3 to clinch the come from behind victory for the Maroon and Grey.
Redlands returns to the courts next Wednesday, March 16 when they host Amherst College beginning at 3:00pm.
Coach's Thoughts
"After an extremely sluggish start, we were in a hole 3-0 going up against some well coached doubles teams. Credit to HSU who came out firing and took advantage of their opportunities. We are excited to get back out to the practice court to iron out some of our doubles play. But I am super proud of the way the team clawed their way back into the match. It's never easy to go down 3-0, but the men showed a lot of fight and character to not give up and come away with five of six singles matches."
Coach's Shoutout
Donovan Lilov had a huge win at No. 4 singles and won it in a third set, which clinched the victory. He is off to a great start this season and has been showing up for us every match. I couldn't be more proud of his effort this afternoon."
