Marquette University Athletics
Marquette University
Rutgers*
Men's Tennis Hands Rutgers First BIG EAST Loss
4/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
April 8, 2006
PISCATAWAY, NJ. - Despite a rain delay and only four available courts, the Marquette men's tennis team did not get discouraged, beating defending BIG EAST runner-up, Rutgers, 6-1, at the Rutgers Tennis Complex in Piscataway, NJ.
"We knew going in that Rutgers was going to be good," head coach Steve Rodecap said. "They've beat teams like DePaul that we've lost to this year. It was a long day for us because of the rain and when we played there was only four courts available. I thought the guys handled the situation really well."
The Golden Eagles came out with intensity in doubles, getting a quick win from seniors Ian Kawas and Eigis Vedricas at no. 1.
"We got off to a good start at one and three doubles," Rodecap said. "Our no. 2 team was down but came back to win."
With the win in doubles, Marquette earned a 1-0 advantage heading into singles play. Due to the shortage of courts, no. 1-4 took action first, while the five and six players looked on.
Marquette got first set wins at no. 1 and no. 2 but dropped the first set at no. 3 and no. 4. In the seconds set, the Scarlet Night's came back at no. 1 and no. 2 but the Golden Eagles fought back to force a third set at no. 3 and no. 4. With all four courts in a third set, the meet was yet to be determined.
Vedrickas was unable to come away with the victory at no. 1 but his teammates at two thru four were able to closeout the match.
"Our team is starting to come together at the right time and I thought that Ian and Eigis lead the team well today," said Rodecap.
Freshman, Eric Fleming added a victory at no. 6 in straight sets.
"We were in close battles at every position today," Rodecap said. "We have to get as much rest as we can tonight and be ready to go in the morning. We've never played Villanova before so we don't know what to expect but we'll be ready."
With the win over Rutgers, Marquette improves their record to 12-8 on the dual match season, 2-1 in the BIG EAST. The Scarlet Nights fall to 5-7 overall and 3-1 in the BIG EAST.
Players Mentioned
