 |
TENNIS ON CAMPUS TITLE TRACKER: 64 CAME, FOUR REMAIN
By: Sarah Houseknecht, Special to TennisOnCampus.com
Bracket Play:
At the start of the day, 16 teams had their sights set on the Championship; now only four remain. All other teams are fighting to win their respective brackets: Silver, Bronze and Copper. Clubs still in the Title hunt include:
- University of Georgia – Advanced over: University of Oklahoma (30-13) and University of California – Berkeley (21-20)
- University of California – Los Angeles – Advanced over: Cornell University (23-21) and University of Central Florida (26-20)
- University of Michigan – Advanced over: Stanford University (25-17) and University of Arizona (26-17)
- University Florida – Advanced over: Baylor University (29-20) and University of Virginia (22-21)
David & Goliath:
The University of California – Berkeley appeared to be on the road to another victory, but hit a speed bump today when they faced the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs have made it to Nationals several times, but never finished better than fifth. With their slim 21-20 victory over the defending champions, they are guaranteed at least a fourth place finish in the 2013 TOC Nationals.
They were headed into men’s singles, down by nine to the Golden Bears, when Matt Holland stepped in winning several deuce points to finish the set 6-1. The mixed doubles team of Gordon Lucas and Meg Inscoe faced a four-point deficit and pulled off the upset for their team with another 6-1 set of their own.
“We were the third seed in our own pool,” explained team captain Scott Slezak, “so we were just happy to be here playing the best team in the country. I told the team to have fun and we have nothing to lose. We knew if we gave it our all we were good enough to get the job done.”
Tennis After Campus:
Four years of enjoying Tennis On Campus, but where do players play when college comes to an end? The USTA is setting up an Alumni Tennis After Campus Task Force (ATAC) to review and recommend opportunities for Tennis On Campus alumni to continue to participate in organized tennis programs or events after they leave college. Find out how to start a pilot Tennis After Campus program and keep your ball bouncing!
Friendly Fire:
The Braud brothers, fraternal twins from Baton Rouge, La., grew up playing tennis together. Today, 23-year-old Dillon is a captain and team leader for the Louisiana State University club team. Alex is a top player for the College of Charleston team, one semester after leaving LSU – and his role as club president – to transfer for graduate school. Both players have a passion for club tennis, are fiercely competitive and very mentally focused. Read more about how their TOC paths crossed this season on the road to Nationals.
Double Trouble:
Facing the University of Delaware? Watch out for the Blue Hens’ mixed doubles duo; Bailey and Davis Flanagan say being twins gives them an edge most other opponents don’t have. Strategy is key and, in this case, alike minds think great.
Kickin’ It Off Court With Cal – Berkeley:
Get the behind-the-scenes scoop from tournament vets. The Cal – Berkeley Golden Bears give you a look at what goes on both on and off the court during Tennis On Campus Nationals: Tournament Talk.
Familiarize With The Field:
The 2013 Tennis On Campus National Championship is live and ongoing in Surprise, Ariz., and USTA.com covers the teams that have qualified on the road to the desert in these exclusive Q&A sessions:
Oakland
Saint Louis
Boston College
Baylor
For photos of today’s action, please visit: ACTION
For team photos of participating TOC clubs, please visit: TEAM FUN
 |
 |