Oct. 5, 2011
TULSA, Okla. — University of Iowa senior Marc Bruche has advanced to the main draw of the ITA All-American Championships as a result of a victory in the third qualifying round Wednesday at the Case Tennis Center in Tulsa, Okla.
Bruche defeated Boise State’s 109th-ranked James Meredith 6-3, 7-6 (2) to become the first Hawkeye to reach the main draw at this tournament in program history.
“Marc made history for us as a program today by making it to the main draw,” said head coach Steve Houghton. “It’s both a great accomplishment and great honor for him and our program.”
Two of Bruche’s victories at this prestigious tournament came against ranked opponents, and all three of his wins included extra games in at least one set.
Bruche defeated Florida’s No. 69 Tripper Carleton 6-7, 7-5, 6-0 on Tuesday to reach the qualifying finals. He opened with a 7-5, 6-2 win over San Diego State’s Javier Pulgar in the first qualifying round.
Bruche was a second team all-Big Ten selection last season while competing in No. 1 singles and doubles.
Two other Big Ten competitors advanced from qualifying to the main draw where Bruche will join 10 Big Ten foes in the final singles bracket. Singles main draw action begins at 8 a.m. Thursday with rounds one and two.
ITA All-American Championships
Singles Qualifying
No. 101 Marc Bruche (IOWA) def. No. 109 James Meredith (Boise State) 6-3, 7-6 (2)