DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University men's tennis team earned its third win of the weekend as the Bulldogs battled for a hard-fought victory over Arizona, 4-2, Saturday afternoon at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.
"We are more than excited. Knocking off Iowa and Arizona back-to-back days and I couldn't be prouder of this group," said Drake head coach
Davidson Kozlowski.
The Bulldogs' (7-4) doubles play came up big. Juniors
Tom Hands and
Ben Clark earned a 6-2 win at No.3, while senior
Ben Wood and freshman
Finley Hall secure the point with a 6-4 victory at No. 2.
Hands made quick work of Aaro Pollanen at No. 2 singles, winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-1.
The Wildcats cut the Bulldog lead to 2-1 with a win on court No. 5, but junior
Vinny Gillespie gave Drake its third point and extending its lead to 3-1 with an 6-4, 6-2 win over Igor Karpovets at No. 1.
Clark suffered his first singles loss of the season as Arizona made it 3-2.
Coming into the day Hall clinched the Bulldogs' last two wins and Saturday was no different for the freshman. After dropping a tough first set 6-4 and trailing 5-2 in the second, Hall won five straight games to force a third and decisive set. He continued that run into the third, taking a huge 5-0 lead. Hall went ont to take the third and decisive set 6-2 at No. 6 singles and clinching the Drake 4-2 victory.
"This was pretty special and something I will remember the rest on my life," said Hall after Drake's win.
The Bulldogs return to action on Friday at 10 a.m. when they host UAB. Drake will also host George Washington on Friday at 6 p.m. and Denver on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Drake 4, Arizona 2
Feb 10, 2018 at Des Moines, Iowa (Roger Knapp Tennis Center)
| Singles competition |
| 1. #120 Vinny Gillespie (DU) def. Karpovets, Igor (ARIZ) 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2. Tom Hands (DU) def. Pollanen, Aaro (ARIZ) 6-1, 6-1 |
| 3. Barny Thorold (DU) vs. Botha, Trent (ARIZ) 5-7, 6-2, 4-5, unfinished |
| 4. Malbasic, Filip (ARIZ) def. Ben Clark (DU) 6-3, 6-3 |
| 5. Reguant, Alejandro (ARIZ) def. Ben Wood (DU) 6-3, 6-2 |
| 6. Finley Hall (DU) def. Hassey, Carlos (ARIZ) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 |
| Match Notes |
| Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (2,5,1,4,6) |
