ORANGE, Calif. – The University of Redlands Men's Tennis team got back on track Friday afternoon with a solid 8-1 thumping of No. 38 Chapman University on the road.
The Bulldogs bounced back after their loss against No. 8 Tufts improving to 8-5, 2-0 SCIAC.
A clean sweep in doubles created the momentum for Redlands as they would go on to take five of six singles matches. Head Coach Peter Yellico shifted his doubles lineup up once again and it paid off. Stefan Hester (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) and first year Jack Mattox (Mercer Island, WA) teamed up at the top spot and won 8-5. Thomas Reznik (Belmont, CA) and Andrew Yip (Honolulu, HI) came back together at No. 2 and cruised to the 8-2 victory and Donovan Lilov (San Diego, CA) and Josh Nelson (Montrose, NY) were put together at No. 3 winning easily 8-4 picking up the third point.
It then got worse for the Panthers in singles grabbing just one point thanks to Caleb Wilkins at the top spot who beat Hester 6-3, 6-3. After that it was all Maroon and Grey with Mattox winning in straight sets at No. 2, Yip beating Blinder 6-3, 6-2 at No. 3, Nelson holding off Marsh at No. 5 7-6 (1), 6-3 and Reznik edging Hess (Top Junior Player from the Pacific Northwest) at No. 6 6-4, 7-6 (5).
The only match that went three sets was Lilov at No. 4 who split the first two sets 7-6 (4), 5-7 with DeHart before taking the third set breaker 10-5.
Redlands has a short turnaround hosting Pomona-Pitzer tomorrow, Saturday, April 2 beginning at 10:00am.
Coach's Thoughts
"Our energy in doubles today was awesome. It all started to click and after going up 3-0 we never let up. Everyone's intensity from the first ball struck to the last was great. SCIAC competition is always tough and there is always a little more emphasis on getting it done within conference play and the guy's did that today. I am really proud of everyone's performance and we are looking forward to carrying this momentum into another nationally ranked match-up with Pomona-Pitzer tomorrow."
Coach's Shoutout
"Josh Nelson came out and scored two wins on the day. He has played a ton this year in just his first season, but he is getting it done day in and day out. He has been focusing in practice really well and has shown to be a force in both doubles and singles. His growth both on and off the court has been amazing to watch."