Feb. 12, 2008

Results

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's men's tennis team responded after a poor performance in doubles, defeating the San Francisco Dons 5-2. The Gaels improve to 5-2 on the season, and with the win against the Dons, have posted their fourth consecutive victory. Saint Mary's started the match sluggish, as they did not record a win in doubles play, but came back to capture five singles wins.

Freshman Lucas Tirelli and Achim Christner were the first two Gaels to record wins. Tirelli finished off San Francisco's Asaf Cohen in two easy sets, 6-3, 6-1, while Christner posted a 6-3, 6-2 win over Rainer Nachbauer.

The two early wins proved to be a good omen for the Gaels, as freshman Youseff El Bouzkouri recorded his first win at the No. 6 position to give Saint Mary's a 3-1 advantage. Bouzkouri defeated San Francisco's Mitch Del Rosario in a close first set, 7-5, and took care of business in the second to win 6-3.

"Youssef had quite a large match for us at the No. 6 position," said Head Coach Michael Wayman. "It was a really good effort all around. The fellows showed a lot of spirit today considering we were beaten very soundly in the doubles."

Clinching the dual match win for the Gaels was Marek Dvorak with a three set win over Einar Hart. Hart stole away the first set, 7-5, but Dvorak was not going to allow the Dons a chance at winning the dual match, igniting to defeat the Don 6-2, 6-2 in the final two sets.

Rounding out singles action was senior Joel Kusnierz at the No. 1 position. Kusnierz played a very tight match against Thong Tu, battling in the first to defeat Tu, 6-4. Kusnierz faltered in the second falling 2-6, but proved clutch in final set defeating Tu 7-5 in the tie break.

In doubles play the Gaels were unable to find their rhythm, as they did not record a win.

Saint Mary's returns to action on Saturday, February 16 at 1:00 pm in Stockton, CA. The Gaels will face the Pacific Tigers in their eighth dual match of the season.