Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
MVC Individual Tournament
Men's tennis brings home two MVC Individual titles
01/25/2009 | 12:00:00 | Men's Tennis
Jan. 25, 2009
By Megan Kramper
www.SIUSalukis.com
Des Moines, Iowa- Eric West and Anton Leonenko both won their respected flights as the SIU tennis team opened up the season at the MVC Individual Championships over the weekend.
West took home the Flight 3 singles title after defeating Skip Span of Illinois State, 7-6, 6-3, while Leonenko claimed the top spot in Flight 5 singles with a victory over Ricardo Lau of Drake, 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-2.
Head coach Dann Nelson said the team was excited to be out on the court for the first time since Oct.
"It was great," Nelson said. "The guys played really well and we improved on our performance from last year and every guy on the team won at least one match."
Felipe Villasenor also took home a title in Flight 4 singles with a third place finish over Michel Macara-Chvili of Bradley, 6-2, 6-2.
Hugo Vidal qualified for the third place game in Flight 2 singles but was cancelled due to inclement weather and will be played at a later date.
Lucas Waked represented the Salukis in Flight 1 singles but fell in the opening round to Vladamir Marinescu of Wichita State.
Waked then played in the consolation round of Flight 1 doubles and was again defeated by Indiana State's Josh Smith, 4-0, before retiring due to injury.
Sebastian Rubiano played in the Flight 6 singles where he was defeated in the first round before winning the consolation round over Chris Finney of Indiana State, 6-1, 6-1.
Recently signed Saluki Pavio Buryi also picked up his first collegiate victory as he won the consolation round in Flight 7 singles over Rodrigo Briceno of Wichita State, 6-0,6-2.
In doubles play, Lucas Waked and Anton Leonenko paired up to advance to the quarterfinal round of Flight 1 play before falling to Miljevic/Reichelt of Illinios State, 8-6.
In Flight 2 doubles, Hugo Vidal and Sebastian Rubiano also advanced to the quarterfinal round and were defeated by the duo of Marsiglia/Lau of Drake.
Nelson said injuries hindered the Salukis in the later rounds of doubles play and will be something to improve on as the season progresses.
"We had a good first day of doubles but the second day we played a little flat and I know we can play much better," Nelson said.
The Salukis will have a break before their next match on Feb. 21st against Murray State in Carbondale.
Players Mentioned
