Oct. 27, 2013
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The University of Iowa men’s tennis team completed play at the Big Ten Singles and Doubles Tournament Sunday afternoon. The tournament, hosted by Purdue University, marks the end of the fall schedule for the Hawkeyes.
“I felt that it was a good way to end the season,” said UI head coach Steve Houghton. “Everyone had good moments throughout the fall season and everyone has a comfort level with the new style of play, which is promising.”
The Hawkeyes entered today with four players remaining in the round of 16 of the consolation draw of singles play. Andres Estenssoro emerged victorious, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-6, 6-4, 13-11 three-set thriller over Diego Acosta of Purdue. In the quarters, Estenssoro fell to Kevin Wong of Michigan, 6-4, 6-4, ending the Hawkeyes’ run at the Big Ten Tournament.
The weekend saw singles and doubles success from two of Iowa’s top players. Senior Jonas Dierckx and junior Matt Hagan both made a run to the round of 16 in the main draw before eventually dropping out of competition. In doubles play Dierckx and Hagan were paired together. After dropping their first, the duo won four consecutive matches to take the consolation doubles title.
“They have competed together a lot before and had similar success a few years ago, so it was just a matter of putting together a team that has had success” said Houghton. “As the tournament went on, they got better and better as a team.”
With the fall season coming to a close, the Hawkeyes turn their attention to off-season training. Many players will focus on individualized conditioning to improve their agility, balance, quickness, and strength. As a team though, the goal is the same for everyone.
“We need to do more than maintain the level of play that we are at right now,” said Houghton. “To maximize the potential of the guys and the team, guys have to be determined to get better the next couple of months before we start play again.”
Big Ten Singles/Doubles Tournament
Sunday’s Results
Consolation Singles Draw
Elliott Yee (Indiana) def. Brian Alden (UI): 6-2, 6-4
Ruben Weber (Minnesota) def. Chase Tomlins (UI): 6-2, 6-4
Aaron Dujovne (Purdue) def. Dominic Patrick (UI): 6-2, 6-2
Andres Estenssoro (UI) def. Diego Acosta (Purdue): 3-6, 6-4, 13-11
Kevin Wong (Michigan) def. Andres Estenssoro (UI): 6-4, 6-4