Sept. 26, 2003
STOCKTON, Calif.-- - The Santa Clara University men's tennis program opened play today at the Tiger Fall Classic, hosted by the University of the Pacific at the Hal Nelson Tennis Courts.
"It was a good day on the courts, but a very long day," head coach George Husack said. "I was very happy to see the new guys get their first wins at Santa Clara, and the freshmen get their first collegiate wins. It's a little rough out here with the heat and the wind, but our guys just need to keep battling the elements through the weekend."
Transfers Eric Kochanski and Gernot Fischer picked up two wins apiece in Flight A singles action. Ben Hidalgo won twice in the C flight, and freshmen Kevin McQuaid and Bobby Rasmussen won their only contests of the afternoon.
Hidalgo teamed with sophomore Ted Blosser to win their doubles match 8-4. They were the only Bronco tandem in action, as the other three pairings received first-round byes.
The Broncos have had previous success at this event. Taylor Bedilion took home the consolation singles title in 2002, while now-graduated Michael Bruggemann teamed with senior Erich Chen to capture the doubles crown. In 2001, then-freshmen Francisco Zepponi, Christopher Lam and Bedilion swept the three flights in singles competition, while Lam paired with senior Rick Ruso for a consolation doubles championship.
Santa Clara remains at the Tiger Fall Classic through Sunday. The tournament is the first of five the Broncos have scheduled for the fall. Next week, Santa Clara will attempt to qualify for the ITA All-American Championships in Chattanooga, Tenn. Other events are as follows: Fresno State Bulldog Classic October 10-12, ITA Regional Championship October 17-20 and the Southern California Intercollegiate November 5-9.
Singles Flight A, Round of 16
Eric Kochanski (SCU) def. (4) Joakim Rydberg (SAC) 6-4, 6-4
Gernot Fischer (SCU) def. Michael Duong (PAC) 7-5, 6-4
Adam Jooste (NEV) def. (2) Taylor Bedilion (SCU) 6-3, 6-3
Singles Flight A, Quarterfinal
Eric Kochanski (SCU) def. Niclas Otte (UOP) 6-3, 6-2
Gernot Fischer (SCU) def. Martin Marechal (SMC) 6-1, 6-1
Singles Flight B, Round of 16
Nico Terrien (LMU) def. (1) Francisco Zepponi (SCU) 6-1, 6-3
Singles Flight C, Round of 32
(2) Bobby Rasmussen (SCU) bye
(1) Kevin McQuaid (SCU) bye
Ted Blosser (SCU) bye
Ben Hidalgo (SCU) def. Matt Phillips (LMU) 6-1, 6-3
Singles Flight C, Quarterfinal
(2) Bobby Rasmussen (SCU) def. Michael Parry (UCD) 6-1, 6-3
(1)Kevin McQuaid (SCU) def. Linas Cicenas (LMU) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (4)
Casey McMakin (UCD) def. Ted Blosser (SCU) 7-5, 6-2
Ben Hidalgo (SCU) def. (3) Dani Ericsson (NEV) 6-3, 6-3
Doubles Flight B, Round of 16
Hidalgo/Blosser (SCU) def. Chan/Terrien (LMU) 8-4