Feb. 25, 2013
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THIS WEEK
The University of Iowa men’s tennis team, winners of six-straight matches, continues its spring season Wednesday hosting No. 36 Drake University at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. Action against Drake University will begin at 6 p.m.
IOWA WINS THRILLER AGAINST WESTERN MICHIGAN
Iowa started off strong against Western Michigan winning 2-of-3 doubles matches to gain the doubles point. Joey White and Juan Estenssoro started things off in dominating fashion, winning their doubles match 8-0. Jonas Dierckx and Matt Hagan followed that up with an 8-2 doubles victory to gain the doubles point. Iowa went on to win 3-of-6 singles matches to squeeze out a 4-3 victory over Western Michigan. Dierkcx, Estenssoro, and Garret Dunn pulled out singles victories for Iowa. The victory extends Iowa’s winning streak to six matches in a row. “That was our best win of the year against a good Western Michigan team,” said head coach Steve Houghton. “We continue to improve week by week and there are some really big challenges coming along these next few matches.”
DIERCKX COMES THROUGH IN THE CLUTCH
Junior Jonas Dierckx put together another impressive outing against Western Michigan, winning both his singles and doubles matches. Dierckx, along with his doubles partner Matt Hagan, started things off by taking down Payne and Wong of Western Michigan, 8-2 to help Iowa gain the doubles point. With all the other matches decided in singles play and the score knotted up at three a piece, Dierckx pulled out a nail-biter in three sets against VanderPloeg 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, to give Iowa the win.
HEAD COACH Steve Houghton
Steve Houghton, the dean of Big Ten tennis coaches, is in his 32nd year as head coach of the Hawkeyes. He has compiled a career record of 338-364 (.481), recording the most wins of any coach in Iowa men’s tennis history.
QUOTING HEAD COACH Steve Houghton
“We have had a great rivalry with Drake over the years. They have an outstanding team this year with three of their top players being experienced seniors. That has led to a strong national ranking. However, I do believe that our guys are improving every week and gaining confidence. I would expect a close, hard-fought match.”