PROVO -- For the second time in as many weeks, the BYU men's tennis team won both of its Friday matches, this time over Pacific and Portland. The afternoon started with a 5-2 win over Pacific, followed by a comfortable 6-1 win over Portland. The Cougars improve to 10-5 on the season and remain undefeated at home.
"I'm really proud of our team," said BYU head coach Brad Pearce. "It was a tough day. These two-match days are a grind physically, mentally and emotionally. It's a tribute to their heart, to tough it out."
Against Pacific, BYU swept all doubles matches to gain the early lead. Cassidy Mears and Evan Urbina were the first to down their Tiger opponents (8-4) and were soon followed by Daniel Hwang and Thomas Shubert (8-5). Jonathan Sanchez and A.J. Young wrapped up doubles play with their 8-6 victory over Mortiz Starke and Artem Gramma.
In singles action, Pacific tied things up with a win over Urbina at the No. 4 position. Shubert was the next to follow, falling in three sets to David Gonzalez.
Not giving up, the Cougars continued to fight, winning their remaining four matches, which included three-set match wins for Sanchez, Hwang and A.J. Young. Tom Young's 6-2, 6-0 victory on court six clinched the win for BYU.
After a short break, BYU resumed doubles play against Portland. For the second time in one day, the Cougars swept all three matches.
"Our doubles went really well today," said Pearce. "There was a great effort and I feel like we're moving in the right direction."
Sanchez, Hwang, Mears and A.J. Young all remained perfect on the evening as they defeated their respective Pilot opponents. Portland's only win came at the No. 2 position as Shubert dropped a tough three-set match (6-3, 4-6, 7-6).
"[Shubert] showed great effort in that last match," said Pearce. "He put it all out there, and he's going to be a better player because of it. I'm just really proud of our entire team's effort today."
Up next the Cougars travel to the Boise Invitational next weekend.
RESULTS
University of the Pacific - 2
Brigham Young University - 5
March 14, 2008
Singles
1. J. Sanchez (BYU) def. M. Starke (UP) 7-5, 2-6, 6-4
2. D. Gonzalez (UP) def. T. Shubert (BYU) 3-6, 6-4, 7-5
3. D. Hwang (BYU) def. A. Gramma (UP) 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(6)
4. R. Delsin (UP) def. E. Urbina (BYU) 1-6, 6-3, 6-4
5. A. Young (BYU) def. V. Veskimagi (UP) 5-7, 6-3, 6-4
6. T. Young (BYU) def. P. Toledo (UP) 6-2, 6-0
Order of Finish: 4, 2, 1, 3, 6, 5
Doubles
1. Sanchez/A. Young (BYU) def. Starke/Gramma (UP) 8-6
2. Hwang/Shubert (BYU) def. Gonzalez/Veskimagi (UP) 8-5
3. Mears/Urbina (BYU) def. Delsin/Toledo (UP) 8-4
Order of Finish 3, 2, 1
University of Portland - 1
Brigham Young University - 6
March 14, 2008
Singles
1. J. Sanchez (BYU) def. J. Kincaid (UP) 6-4, 6-2
2. F. Zivkovic (UP) def. T. Shubert (BYU) 6-3, 4-6, 7-6
3. C. Mears (BYU) def. D. Pottish (UP) 6-2, 6-4
4. D. Hwang (BYU) def. B. THorp (UP) 7-5, 7-5
5. E. Urbina (BYU) def. E. Schleining (UP) 6-3, 6-1
6. A. Young (BYU) def. C. Yemm (UP) 6-1, 6-2
Order of Finish: 3, 1, 4, 2, 5, 6
Doubles
1. A. Young/Sanchez (BYU) def. Zivkovic/Yemm (UP) 8-5
2. Hwang/Shubert (BYU) def. Schleining/Thorp (UP) 8-4
3. Mears/Urbina (BYU) def. Domoney/Kincaid (UP) 8-4
Order of Finish: 3, 1, 2