Men’s tennis notches home victory against in-state rival
Amid the groans and grunts of frustration, a much clearer feeling filled the air of The Sports Academy on Tuesday afternoon. It was a much-needed sense of accomplishment for the the Utah State men’s tennis team as they bounced back from a March 6 loss to Boise State with a home win over Weber State, 5-2
The Aggies (11-6) were anxious to compensate for their most recent defeat just prior to Spring Break, one that came in the form of a 6-1 loss to the No. 47-ranked, and Western Atheletic Conference-leading Boise State Broncos. The loss to Boise was the Aggies’ first this season in conference play and took them out of first place in the WAC.
USU opened by winning a clutch doubles point. The men are a perfect 10-0 when winning that point this season, a stark contrast to their 0-6 record when the doubles point is lost. That point would prove vital as the Wildcats stormed back winning two of the first four singles matches.
“That doubles win is always a big momentum booster,” head coach Christian Wright said. “When we don’t get it we have to regroup and go into the following matches without that extra confidence.”
Sophomore Sven Poslusny played a tough match in No. 1 singles as he continually put pressure on Weber State’s Simon Unger. Poslusny pushed towards the net on every point and kept Unger guessing as he wove finesse and power into every point he earned. Poslusny lost some tightly battled points and eventually fell to Unger, putting the Wildcats even with the Aggies at 1-1.
Jakob Asplund fought for a tough No. 2 singles victory. Asplund turned the tables after falling behind and losing the opening set, 5-7. In the second set, Asplund used a lengthy rally to fight back into the game, and won the set on a return that stayed just out of reach of Wildcats Landon Barlow, and just inside the line for the game winning point. Asplund would go on to win the third set, 7-5.
“Jakob’s done a great job,” Wright said. “He’s been playing high in the line-up a long time and every match he plays tough. Match-up wise, he played a steady kid who frustrates his opponents and Jakob did a good job coming back and winning.”
Fredrik Peterson battled tough against Wildcats’ Caio Poitena, but in the end was ousted, 1-6, 6-3, 7-6.
Senior Bryan Marchant’s serves hugged the line time and time again as he dominated his match. Marchant’s aggressive play caused Wildcats’ Dave Hintze great frustration and Marchant came out on top, 6-4, 6-1. Marchant continued to be a staple on the wins side of the column for the Aggies.
Senior Alex Thatcher came back after losing his first set to get USU their fourth point and seal the victory.
“It was good to see Alex battle back,” Wright said.
Utah State’s next match is slated for Friday, April 8 in Moscow, Idaho, against University of Idaho.
Senior Nikita Ryashchenko put a cherry on top as he defeated Oliver Good for the Aggies fifth and final point.
–bret.clapier@aggiemail.usu.edu