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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The 50th-ranked University of Iowa men’s tennis team hit multiple milestones Friday night in its third straight victory over Michigan State with a 5-2 win at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex.
The win is Iowa’s fifth Big Ten win of the season, marking the most in a single-season in program history since 1998. Senior Jonas Larsen picked up his 61st career doubles win, which propelled him to seventh all-time in school history.
Iowa started off well in doubles with Kareem Allaf and Larsen winning on court two against Harvey and Williams (6-2). The Hawkeyes clinched the doubles points with on court three with Nikita Snezhko and Joe Tyler topping Michigan State’s Shisler/Rakic, 6-2.
In singles competition, the Hawkeyes earned straight set victories in four of the six matches. Tyler continue to play well with a 6-3, 6-2 win on court five. Jason Kerst followed suit on court six in convincing fashion (6-2, 6-3). Freshman Oliver Okonkwo continued his impressive play for the Hawkeyes with his 16th win this season (6-2, 7-5) at No. 2. Okonkwo tied teammate Davies for single-season victories with 25, which ranks fifth best in school history. Allaf added one more win for the home team with a 6-1, 6-4 on court one. Allaf’s win was his 63rd career singles triumph, which ties Dominic Patrick for 12th all-time in program history.
Quoting Mellecker Family Head Coach Ross Wilson
“We are happy with the win tonight and we will get back after it tomorrow to prepare for a top-20 ranked Michigan team on Sunday.”
Up Next
Iowa will stay home to defend their 12-2 record at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex on “Senior Day” against No. 19 Michigan on Sunday at Noon (CT) followed by the season finale against Illinois State at 5 p.m. (CT). Senior Jonas Larsen will be recognized prior to the match against Michigan. Admission is free to the public.
#50 Iowa 5, Michigan State 2
April 19, 2019 | 6 p.m. (CT) | Iowa City, Iowa | Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex
Singles
1. Kareem Allaf (UI) def. Jack Winkler (MSU): 6-1, 6-4
2. Oliver Okonkwo (UI) def. Ivan Rakic (MSU): 6-2, 7-5
3. Anthony Pero (MSU) def. Jonas Larsen (UI): 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
4. John Carlin (MSU) def. Will Davies (UI): 3-6, 7-5, 10-8
5. Joe Tyler (UI) def. Carson Gates (MSU): 6-3, 6-2
6. Jason Kerst (UI) def. Collin Harvey (MSU): 6-2, 6-3
Doubles
1. #67 Okonkwo/Davies (UI) vs. Winker/Rakic (MSU): 3-4, unfinished
2. Allaf/Larsen (UI) def. Pero/Carlin (MSU): 6-2
3. Snezhko/Tyler (UI) def. Gates/Williams (MSU): 6-2
Match Notes:
#50 Iowa 15-9 (5-5)
Michigan State 6-19 (0-10)
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (5,6,2,1,4,3)
