Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
UMKC
Men's Tennis overpowered by UMKC
02/06/2010 | 12:00:00 | Men's Tennis
Feb. 6, 2010
By Michael Benson
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois men's tennis team was defeated by the UMKC Kangaroos, 4-0, in a time-shortened match Saturday in Carbondale, Ill.
Faced with a 5-4 lead after winning his first set, freshman Brandon Florez had a chance to win his #2 singles match against UMKC's Patrick Smith. Florez's match point serve appeared to have landed inside the line to clinch the match, but the official ruled that the serve landed out. The Saluki freshman was unable to recover and fell in the third set to Smith 3-6, 7-6, 6-2.
Chikara Kidera also had a shot at clinching a straight set victory against Serge Ristivojevic. Leading 4-3 in the second set, Kidera cramped up and was forced to take an injury timeout. Kidera wound up falling in the second set and eventually wore down in the third, as UMKC's senior captured the match 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.
In the other two matches, senior Mpilo Migogo - despite putting forth a spirited effort - was swept by Bret Berryman in top singles 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, Falk De Beenhouwer was topped in a similar manner, losing against Gustavo Guerin 7-5, 6-2.
"I'm proud of our team's effort," said head coach Dann Nelson. "We just need to be tougher and get in better shape. We can't let those small things affect our play throughout the entire match."
The Dawgs return to action Feb. 14, when they entertain the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars on Valentine's Day. The match is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. at the Sports Blast Sports Complex in Carbondale.
Players Mentioned
