REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Men's Tennis team opened up 2023 Tuesday night against Linfield University winning 7-2 under the lights at the Verdieck Tennis Center.
The Bulldogs who are ranked No. 25 in the ITA Division III National Polls showcased their depth as they took two of three doubles before winning five of six singles matches.
Redlands went ahead 2-0 quickly in doubles winning at No. 3 (8-3) from Josh Davydov (Bellevue, WA) and Luca Davidorf (Atlanta, GA) and then at the top spot from transfers Bryce Keim (Spartanburg, S.C.) and Nils Plutat (Sauerlach, Bavaria, Germany) who rolled 8-4. Linfield was able to rally to stay in the match picking up a point at No. 2 as Stefan Hester (Pacific Palisades, CA) and Jack Mattox (Mercer Island, WA) would fall 8-6.
In singles UR won five in a row as Tyler Pyle (Lake Oswego, OR) got his first action of the match playing at No. 6 and picking up a point winning 6-0, 6-0. Keim continued to roll as he would sweep his opponent at No. 2 6-0, 6-1, moving the score to 4-1. The clinch would come from Davidorf at No. 5 who would grab a break in each set to win 6-4, 6-3. Davydov followed also earning a break in each set to win 6-4, 6-3 and Mattox would grab the seventh point on the day needing a three setter at No. 3 to beat Seth Lee 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
The lone loss in singles came from Hester at No. 1 who was matched up against a former UC San Barbara Gaucho and despite battling would get broken each set falling 6-4, 6-3.
Redlands returns to the court this afternoon for a match-up against No. 27 Brandeis University beginning at 1:00pm. This match was moved up due to projected rain in the forecast.
Coach's Thoughts
"All the credit to the guys for showing up ready to play after last minute schedule changes. I thought we competed well and played an all around great match at the new Coach Jim Verdieck Tennis Facility. It was nice to get our first win under our belt and we are looking forward to taking on nationally ranked Brandeis University."
Coach's Shoutout
"Luca Davidorf for clinching the match at No. 5 singles. He has been striking the ball well in practice and it was nice for him to come up with the win for the team to secure the match for us."