MEN'S TENNIS: Team starts spring season
The Owls were lead by sophomore Efe Ustundag, who put opponent Brady Wells to shame in a 6-0, 6-2 romp.
Junior Darin Mast, playing in the No. 2 singles spot, gained another singles victory for the Owls when his opponent retired early in the second set. Mast had won the first set 7-5.
Sophomore Sasha Silver and freshman Kevin Hargrove also scored two-set victories in singles matchplay, convincingly winning their matches 6-2, 6-3 and 6-1, 6-1, respectively.
The Owls dominated doubles play as well, claiming victories in all three doubles matches.
In the No. 1 spot, the team of Ustundag/Mast beat the team of Dean Poripiat and Wells, scoring an 8-1 victory.
Senior Ben Pritchett and sophomore Jason Felton won by the same decisive 8-1 margin in the No. 3 doubles spot as the No. 2 team of Naisohn Arfai and Silver handily won 8-5.
"I'm really proud of the way the team played," sophomore captain Shane Stone said. "We had four guys injured, and everybody really stepped up their play to make up for it."
Freshman Alex Bain agreed. "The team looks like it will be really good this year," Bain said. "More than anything, we're together. Everyone is willing to work hard for the team."
The Owls will play again this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. against Lamar University at the Jake Hess Tennis Stadium.
This item appeared in the Sports section of the February 14, 1997 issue.
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