Oct. 19, 2013
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TULSA, Okla. — The University of Iowa men’s tennis team ended its run at the ITA Regional Tournament Saturday afternoon. The Hawkeyes finished the weekend with three student-athletes making it to the round of 32.
“We won 18 singles matches to go along with a doubles victory this weekend, and that is impressive,” said head coach Steve Houghton. “We beat some really good players and have made progress from tournament to tournament so far this fall.”
Matt Hagan, Dominic Patrick, and Jonas Dierckx remained in the main draw heading into play Saturday morning. Hagan, facing top-seeded Dane Webb of Oklahoma fought hard before falling 6-2, 6-4.
Patrick had a strong run in the tournament, making it through the qualifying draw and earning a spot in the main draw. In the second round Patrick drew Fablan Zierleyn of Oral Roberts. Zierleyn took the first set 6-3 before Patrick fought back to take the second set by a score of 6-2. In the third and decisive set, Patrick fell by a 6-1 score.
Jonas Dierckx was paired up against Marc Herrmann of Nebraska in the second round of the tournament. Dierckx fought hard against Herrmann, the No. 9 seed, eventually losing in three sets. Diercxk took the first set easily with a 6-1 score. Herrmann fought back, taking set two 7-5, and finished off the match with a 6-1 win in the third set.
In the only other action of the day, Brian Alden played his opening round match in the Consolation draw. Alden draw Euan McIntosh of Drake, falling 7-6(4), 6-3.
“I was really pleased with our team, but especially Dominic Patrick,” said Houghton. “He had a breakthrough win this weekend, and the next step for him and the team will be to win these big matches on a consistent basis.”
Patrick’s big win came on Friday afternoon when he took on Daniel Santos of Tulsa. Santos was the No. 9 seed in the tournament was was ranked No. 26 in the world ITF Junior rankings coming into this weekend. Patrick beat him in the first round of the main draw, 6-4, 6-3.
“Overall I was very pleased with the weekend,” said Hougton. “Now we need to show to continued progress next weekend at our last tournament, and even more once we get into off-season training.”
The Hawkeyes return to the courts Oct. 25-27 at Big Ten Singles/Doubles in West Lafayette, Ind.
ITA Regional Tournament
Saturday’s Results
Main Draw
Dane Webb (Oklahoma) def. Matt Hagan (UI): 6-2, 6-4
Fablan Zierleyn (Oral Roberts) def. Dominic Patrick (UI): 6-3, 2-6, 6-1
Marc Herrmann (Nebraska) def. Jonas Dierckx (UI): 1-6, 7-5, 6-1
Consolation Draw
Euan McIntosh (Drake) def. Brian Alden (UI): 7-6(4), 6-3