Both tennis teams win 1-of-3 in Hawaii
This year, the USU tennis teams traveled down to Honolulu, Hawaii, to compete in the 2001 Hawaii Invitational. Both posted a 1-2 record, both beating Montana State University 4-3.
The men’s team saw strong performances from Andy Madesbacher, Ryan Burbage, Dan Baird and Tadd Heinze, who recorded wins in the Montana State victory. Heinze, a junior from Scottsdale, Ariz., and the No. 5 seed, ended the week with a 2-1 record and posted another victory in the team’s loss to Hawaii-Pacific University.
“We played well as a team,” Heinze said. “The altitude made it very difficult, the ball seemed to move a lot slower.”
Jonah Nelson, Utah State’s No. 2 seed, agreed. “It was really tough; it took a lot more effort to win the normal points.”
The Aggies had a tough outing against Brigham Young University-Hawaii, which is ranked 10th in Division II and just knocked off the second-ranked team, handed the Aggies a 7-0 loss.
“They have got a good team,” said USU assistant coach Jeven West. “Some players on the women’s team were actually on the professional ATP Tour.”
The women’s team, which overwhelmed Montana State 5-2 earlier this year, once again defeated the Bobcats 4-3 in Hawaii. Junior Sarah Lowe, the No. 1 singles player, posted two solid victories. One loss came from former professional player Petra Gaspar of BYU-Hawaii 6-0, 6-1, who was rumored to have beaten Martina Hingis – currently the world’s No. 1 player.
“Every shot I sent over was sent back faster, and down the line,” Lowe said. “I didn’t feel so bad, I mean … I’m in Hawaii, and this girl is amazing.”
The Aggies also were given strong performances from sophomore Amy Thatcher, who recorded a victory vs. Hawaii-Pacific, and new doubles pairings Tracy Bertagna and Amelia Martinez.
“We had a couple of good three-setters,” said USU head coach Chris Wright. “We just couldn’t finish off the points when we had to. But overall this was a good team effort.”
As for the overall trip itself, the players had an incredible time, the Aggies said.
“We’re all friends, on and off the court,” Heinze said. “And we know how to have a good time.”