REDLANDS, Calif. – The No. 17 ranked University of Redlands Men's Tennis team had their opportunities Tuesday to upset No. 11 George Fox University, but couldn't grab any of them as they fell 5-4 at the Verdieck Tennis Courts.
The Bulldogs looked to grab their fourth upset on the season and despite leaving it all out on the courts couldn't secure the win against the top team from the Northwest Conference as they drop to 6-3, 1-0 SCIAC.
Redlands found themselves trailing 2-1 after doubles with the lone win coming at the top spot from Stefan Hester (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) and Thomas Reznik (Belmont, CA) who took down Leach/Lemaitre 8-4. Max Hoffman (Taipei, Taiwan) and Donovan Lilov (San Diego, CA) faced a tough duo at No. 3 falling 8-2 giving GFU their first point and sending the go-ahead advantage to the No. 2 slot, where Andrew Yip (Honolulu, HI) and Jack Mattox (Mercer Island, WA) would battle but would come up short dropping 8-6.
In singles the Bulldogs split with the Bruins. First year Mattox continues to impress at No. 2 earning a break in the first set at 6-4 before rolling 6-2 in the second. Lilov made quick work of his opponent at No. 3 6-3, 6-2 and first year Nelson at No. 5 would claw his way back from a set down to win 1-6, 6-2, 6-4 leveling the match at 4-4.
Hester put together a strong effort against one of the top singles players in the country (Leach), but couldn't pull out a breaker in the opening frame before getting broken once in the second set falling 7-6 (0), 6-3. Yip had his chances at No. 4 also coming from a set down to force a third. After dropping the first set 6-4, found his way back winning a breaker 7-6 (4), but couldn't keep the momentum going falling 6-3 that allowed GFU to grab their fourth point.
It all came down to senior Reznik at No. 6 who had the upset on his racquet. After winning the first set 7-6 (0) found himself up a break serving for the match at 5-4 in the second, which included match points. But he couldn't secure any of them as R. Olson would storm back to get the next three games to force a third at 7-5. In the final frame Olson used that swing in momentum to get an early break before holding on for the 6-3 win that clinched the 5-4 win for the Bruins.
Redlands returns to the courts Wednesday, March 23 when they host Colby College beginning at 2:00pm.
Coach's Thoughts
"I am really proud of how the team fought today against a nationally ranked program. Our guys deserve a lot of credit for their effort, but we unfortunately didn't capitalize on our opportunities and George Fox was able to run away with it. The match couldn't have been any closer but we will take a lot of positives away from this match."
Coach's Shoutout
"Josh Nelson played a great singles match today, coming back from a set down to win. He has been working really hard this season and has come up with some big wins for us in three setters. Really happy with his effort today."