Men's Tennis falls to University of Hawaii at Manoa, 7-0

March 12, 2008

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

HONOLULU - The Salukis (5-5) continued action in Hawaii on Tuesday, taking on the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The team was unable to capture the win, resulting in a University of Hawaii win, 7-0.

In doubles, Lucas Waked and Anton Leonenko competed at the top seed against Andreas Webera and Sascha Heinemann, falling by only one point in a 9-8 loss. Sebastian Rubiano and Mariano Restrepo teamed up at No. 2 doubles, dropping their match, 8-5, against Dennis Lajola and Jeff Fitch. Finishing out the doubles match, Hugo Vidal and Chase Miller were unable to hold off Spence Mendoza and Craig Faulk at No. 3 doubles, falling 8-4.

In singles action, Waked fell to Lajola at No. 1 singles, 6-3, 6-1. Restrepo played No. 2 singles against Weber, but was unable to grab the win, Weber captured the point with a 6-4, 6-0 win. Vidal battled at No. 3 singles, but Heinemann grabbed the win, 6-2, 6-4. At No. 4 singles, Leonenko took on Fitch, falling 6-3, 6-4. Rubiano fought for the win at No. 5 singles against Mendoza, but fell in the end 7-6, 6-2. Miller rounded out singles at the No. 6 spot, falling to Faulk 6-4, 6-3.

Although the Salukis were unable to grab the win, Nelson was proud of the way his team competed.

"We played much better today," said Nelson. "The guys competed hard from start to finish. We are making strides in the right direction, as we come together as a team, working toward a common goal."

The Salukis are now 5-5 and will return to action at Memphis, Sat. March 22.

Hawaii Pacific 7, Southern Illinois 0

Singles
No. 1 - Dennis Lajola def. Lucas Waked 6-3, 6-1
No. 2 - Andreas Weber def. Mariano Restrepo 6-4, 6-0
No. 3 - Sascha Heinemann def. Hugo Vidal 6-2, 6-4
No. 4 - Jeff Fitch def. Anton Leonenko 6-3, 6-4
No. 5 - Spence Mendoza def. Sebastian Rubiano 7-6, 6-2
No. 6 - Craig Faulk def. Chase Miller 6-4, 6-3

Doubles
No. 1 - Weber/Heinemann def. Waked/Leonenko 9-8
No. 2 - Lajola/Fitch def. Rubiano/Restrepo 8-5
No. 3 - Mendoza/Faulk def. Vidal/Miller 8-4