NEW ORLEANS, LA., The Wildcats finished out their weekend in New Orleans strong as they defeated University of Central Florida 4-3, putting them at 1-1 on the weekend and 8-6 on the season.
“Although we didn't play our best tennis, I am really proud of the guys for competing with such energy,” said head coach Tad Berkowitz. “Across the board, you would have no clue if guys were having a tough day or a rough patch during their match because of their competitive attitudes. These things make a huge difference when trying to squeak out a close match.”
The Cats started the morning off with doubles play, where they dominated UCF. Oliver Plaskett and Will Kneale defeated Chris Barrus and Inaki Espindola 6-3 on court one. Naoki Takeda and Will Adkisson beat Tyler Pate and Jose Sangroniz on court two 6-4, giving Arizona the doubles point.
The Wildcats started singles play with a 1-0 lead over UCF. Naoki Takeda picked up Arizona's first singles point as he beat Jose Sangroniz on court one 6-1, 6-0. Trent Botha was beat by Nico De Fraia on court five 6-4, 6-3, while Oliver Plaskett was defeated by Reece Acree 6-4, 6-4 on court six, tying the score 2-2.
Harry Busby was beat by Inaki Espindola 6-0, 7-5 on court two. Jason Jaruvang beat Chris Barrus 6-1, 7-5 on court three, tying the score back up to 3-3, forcing an intense match between Will Kneale and Mariano Porter.
Kneale clinched the match for Arizona, as he pushed Porter to three sets and came out with the win, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Kneale is now 10-1 on the season.
The Cats will be back on the courts Thursday March 3, as they take on Loyola Marymount and Saturday March 5 to take on Fresno State at Loews Ventana Canyon, in Tucson, Ariz.
DOUBLES PLAY
1. Kneale/Plaskett (ARIZM) def. Barrus/Espindola (UCF) 6-3
2. Adkisson/Takeda (ARIZM) def, Pate/Sangroniz (UCF) 6-4
3. Jaruvang/Kasahara (ARIZM) vs. Porter/Thiessen (UCF) 5-5 UF
Order of Finish: 1,2*
*Clinching Point
SINGLES PLAY
1. Naoki Takeda (ARIZM) def. Jose Sangroniz (UCF) 6-1, 6-0
2. Inaki Espindola (UCF) def. Harry Busby (ARIZM) 6-0, 7-5
3. Jason Jaruvang (ARIZM) def. Chris Barrus (UCF) 6-1, 7-5
4. Will Kneale (ARIZM) def. Mariano Porter (UCF) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
5. Nico De Fraia (UCF) def. Trent Botha (ARIZM) 6-4, 6-3
6. Reece Acree (UCF) def. Oliver Plaskett (ARIZM) 6-4, 6-4
Order of Finish: 1,5,6, 2, 3,4*
*Clinching Point
