University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
All-American Championships
Vols Impressive at All-American Championships Prequalifying
October 05, 2002 | Men's Tennis
Oct. 5, 2002
COMPLETE RESULTS
DAY 2 RESUTLS
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Three members of the University of Tennessee men's tennis team advanced past the first round of prequalifying at the Icy Hot/ITA All-American Championships after rain delays on Friday that forced a 1:30 a.m. finish to first round competition Saturday morning. Junior netter Simon Rea has looked strong through his second-round match Saturday.
The two Volunteer freshmen also played well, with both Rawl Martin and Vincent Perna overcoming one-set-deficits to win their opening matches.
Rea advanced late Friday evening by defeating Matt Roberts of Arkansas 6-3, 6-4. The New Zealand native then dispatched Florida's Janne Holmia.7-6, 7-5 on Saturday. The win was significant for Rea, who was a one-time loser to the Finnish Holmia in juniors.
"Simon lost to Holmia in international competition before he came to (UT), so it's pleasing to see Simon showing improvement in his game by beating him today". Tennessee head coach Michael Fancutt said.
Martin recorded his first collegiate victory by rallying from one set down to topple IUPUI senior Aaron Nikou 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 Friday night. The freshman from Memphis then lost next match to Chris Wettengel 6-1, 6-1 Saturday morning.
Coming off a promising outing at the adidas Invitational last weekend, Perna recorded a win in his first match of the event by taking out Illinois freshman Evan Zeder by a score of 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. Perna will face off againt LSU s Rafael Corazza in the second round of prequalifying.
Fancutt was pleased with the play of his newcomers, Martin and Perna, especially given the highly-competitive atmosphere of the tournament.
"It's a great effort by our two freshmen to win their first matches at the All-American Championships, which is probably the toughest event we play all year", Fancutt said.
Sophomore Mark Henderson was the lone Vol to lose in his first match, dropping a 7-5, 6-4 contest to Ball State s Matt Baccarani.
Prequalifying lasts through Monday, with the qualifiyng rounds beginning Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Latest results from the All-American Championships can be found at www.utsports.com.
Players Mentioned
