BSU Invitational Results (PDF)

MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Eastern Illinois men's tennis squad picked up trophies in the Flight D Singles and runner-up honors in Flight B Doubles play this past weekend at the Ball State Invitational held in Muncie, Ind.

In Flight D Singles, freshman Warren Race also went 4-0, downing his opponents from Xavier (6-1, 4-6, 10-7) and IUPUI (6-1, 4-6, 10-7) in three-set fashion, while sweeping his Butler (7-5,6-1) and UW-Green Bay (6-1,6-2) opponents in straight sets.

“It was exciting to see Warren play this weekend," said Blackburn.  "He had bad luck with an injury last week at Bradley, but bounced back really well and had some nice wins this weekend.  He has made some major strides in his game in just a few weeks with us and I'm excited about his future.” 

Senior Jeff Rutherford teamed with sophomore Matyas Hilgert in Flight B Doubles, as the two went 3-1 to finish as runner-up in their flight.  They won with scores of 8-6, 8-5, 9-7, but dropped the tough 8-3 final to their Cleveland State opponents.

“Jeff and Matyas really played some clutch doubles this weekend," said EIU head coach John Blackburn.  "They had to win a lot of big points in their three wins against some very solid competition, and really showed the aggressive mentality we're looking for in all our doubles teams.”

Sophomore Jamie Firth and freshman Justin Haag also played at Flight B Doubles, winning their first round matchup (8-6), but dropped their next set (8-3).  Warren also teamed with junior Vance Davis at Flight C Doubles, but the duo lost in the first round.

In Flight A and B Singles play, all four Panther competitors lost their first-round bout, with Firth and Rutherford both losing to an Xavier opponent, while Haag and Hilgert lost their respective match to players from UW-Green Bay and Butler in straight sets.

The Panthers return to the court twice more in the fall portion of their schedule.  They will travel to Purdue on Oct. 10-11 and then compete in the six-day ITA Midwest Regional on Oct. 15-20.

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID