Bears Advance to NCAA Semifinals With 5-2 Win over No. 6 Kenyon
INTERACTIVE BRACKET | RESULTS
Claremont, Calif., May 24, 2011 – The No. 5 ranked Washington University in St. Louis men’s tennis team advanced to the semifinals for the fourth-straight season with a 5-2 victory over No. 6 Kenyon College on Tuesday at the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship held at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges in Claremont, Calif.
“We responded well to being down after doubles play. The top four players really set the tone for our play tonight in singles,” said 10th-year head coach Roger Follmer.
Washington University fell behind 2-1 following doubles play, as the Bears trailed heading into singles for the first time in the NCAA Tournament. Washington U. picked up its lone doubles victory at No. 2, an 8-4 win by junior Cameron Chiang and sophomore Kareem Farah.
The Bears jumped on the Lords in singles play, wining the first set in all six matches. Seniors Isaac Stein (No. 1, 6-2, 6-0) and Max Woods (No. 2, 6-0, 6-3) and Farah (No. 5, 6-2, 6-0) posted straight-set wins to gain a 4-2 advantage, while sophomore Adam Putterman clinched the match with a 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 victory at No. 3 singles.
Washington University (19-5) takes on No. 1 ranked Emory University on Wednesday, May 25, at 3 p.m. (PT), with the winner advancing to the 2011 NCAA Division III national championship on Thursday, May 26, at 2 p.m. (PT). Emory defeated 10th-ranked and defending national champions, Middlebury College, 5-2 in its quarterfinal match on Tuesday.
Emory (23-3) has won both meetings with Washington University this season – a 6-3 victory on Feb. 20 in the ITA Indoor National Championship and a 6-0 win on April 17 in the UAA Championship.
“Tomorrow we will be looking for better doubles play against Emory,” Follmer added. “We are looking for more confidence in our volleys and returns, and to continue playing with lots of energy.”
Bear Notebook: Washington U. is making its 12th-straight NCAA appearance … The Bears have held the lead heading into singles play in 15 of 24 matches this season … This marks the fourth Final Four appearance for the men’s tennis team, and 49th for the Washington University Department of Athletics … Washington U. is 11-6 this season against nationally ranked teams … WUSTL and Emory met in the 2008 and 2009 NCAA Division III National Championship match.