LINCOLN, Neb. — Redshirt senior Kareem Allaf won two matches in Iowa’s, 4-3, loss Sunday afternoon to Nebraska at the Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center to become the program’s all time wins leader with 161.
Iowa (4-10, 4-8) started off hot with the No. 1 doubles team of Davies/Allaf cruising to a 6-1 win. Quickly thereafter Okonkwo/Tyler were victorious on court two to clinch the doubles point. The doubles win by Allaf/Davies moves each student-athlete into a tie with Matt Hagan (2011-15) for second place in career doubles victories with 68.
Iowa extended its advantage to 3-0 after Allaf (6-3, 6-0) and Joe Tyler (6-3, 6-1) won their respective matches at No. 1 and No. 4. Nebraska (1-11, 1-11) rallied to win the last four singles matches. Peter Alam and Will Davies fell in straight sets on court six and two, respective, to even the score at 2-2. The final two matches went a full three sets, with Oliver Okonkwo being edged by William Gleason (6-2, 2-6, 7-6) and Jason Kerst falling to Albert Sprlak-Puk (6-3, 3-6, 6-4).
Allaf’s two victories on Sunday moved him past Tyler Cleveland’s 160 victories established between 1998-2001. Allaf has an opportunity to add to his school record with four regular season matches and the Big Ten Tournament remaining later this month.
Iowa returns to action Friday against Illinois at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex.