By BAILEY TURNER
hawkeyesports.com
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Jonas Larsen and Piotr Smietana represented the University of Iowa men’s tennis team on opening day of the Bobby Bayliss Invitational Friday at the Eck Tennis Pavillion on the campus of Notre Dame.
Smietana recorded a victory in his first collegiate match, bouncing Kennosuke Nouchi of Western Michigan, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Larsen lost one of the closest matches of the day when he fell to Brandon Kempin from Notre Dame, 7-5, 7-6(3).
“It was great to see Piotr play his first college tennis match today,” said Iowa head coach Ross Wilson. “He got off to a slow start but he picked up the pace and really handled his opponent. Staying focused and keeping his intensity is something we’ve talked about since he’s been on campus and I’m sure he will improve on that tomorrow.”
The Hawkeye duo of Larsen and Smietana lost a tough battle to Robert Kirill and David Soyfer of Wisconsin, 6-4.
You can follow Saturday’s results on the official twitter account of Hawkeye Tennis (@IowaMensTennis).
SINGLES
Brandon Kempin (ND) def. Jonas Larsen (UI): 7-5, 7-6 (3)
Piotr Smietana (UI) def. Kennosuke Nouchi (WMU): 7-6 (3), 6-4
DOUBLES
Robert Kirill/David Soyfer (UW) def. Jonas Larsen/Piotr Smietana (UI): 6-4
