Nov. 2, 2008
MADISON, WI – The University of Iowa men’s tennis team completed the third day of competition Sunday at the Big Ten Singles Championship. Christian Bierich advanced to the semifinals of the main draw. It marks the second straight year Iowa has had an individual advance to the final four of the annual tournament.
Bierich, seeded fourth overall, won two matches again Sunday to lead Iowa. In the round of 16, the senior defeated Michael Dierberger of host school Wisconsin, 6-2, 6-4. He then defeated Meedo El Tabakh of Illinois 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Bierich will face Purdue’s Slavko Bijelica Monday in the semifinals.
In addition, Hawkeye freshmen Will Vasos and Tom Mroziewicz each claimed victories in the consolation bracket. Vasos defeated Thomas Wilson of Purdue 6-2, 6-1 and Mroziewicz defeated Penn State’s Jamie Cox 6-4, 2-6, 10-8.
“I am pleased to have one of our guys advance this far in the tournament,” said Head Coach Steve Houghton. “Christian (Bierich) has won four matches against tough opponents. As a team we have played pretty well overall.”
Competition continues Monday at the Big Ten Singles Championship with the semifinal and final rounds of the main draw. The finals will be shown on the Big Ten Network as a tape delay on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. (CT).
Singles: Main DrawChristian Bierich (Iowa) def. Michael Dierberger (Wisconsin) 6-2, 6-4Christian Bierich (Iowa) def. Meedo El Tabakh (Illinois) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Singles: ConsolationWill Vasos (Iowa) def. Thomas Wilson (Purdue) 6-2, 6-1Tom Mroziewicz (Iowa) def. Jamie Cox (Penn State) 6-4, 2-6, 10-8Jake Annear (Minnesota) def. Will Vasos (Iowa) 6-3, 2-6, 10-8George Navas (Michigan) def. Tom Mroziewicz (Iowa) 6-0, 6-2Austin Brooks (Michigan State) def. Walker Grimes (Iowa) 6-3, 6-3Drew Daniel (Michigan) def. Patrick Dwyer (Iowa) 7-6 (8), 6-4="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>