No. 14 Alabama Ends Paladin Tennis Season

May 8, 2009

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - The Paladins were competitive in every match, but ultimately the No. 59 Furman men's tennis team succumbed to the 14th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, 4-0, in the opening round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament on Friday evening at the University of Alabama Tennis Stadium. With the win, Alabama improves to 21-7 and advances to the second round of competition. The loss ends Furman's season at 22-8.

"Last time we won the doubles, and they came back and won the singles," commented Furman head coach Paul Scarpa, referring to Furman's 5-2 loss to Alabama in January. "This time, we had to come back and win the singles, and we had a great shot at doing that. We really fought back. We have a great team and I am very proud of them."

The Crimson Tide took the early advantage in the match, earning wins at number two and three doubles to take the team point. Alabama's Billy Mertz and Saketh Myneni defeated Chris Rhyne and Chris Motes, 8-4, on court two. The Tide secured the point with Ricky Doverspike and Michael Thompson's 8-6 win over Jordan Walters and Andrei Chvetsov at number three.

In singles action, Dan Buikema quickly increased the Alabama lead with a 6-3, 6-2 win over senior Daniel Knause at position three. It would be a long time before the next match finished, as the other five courts were very competitive, including four matches that went to three sets. In a tight match at number two, the Tide's Mathieu Thibaudeau avenged his early-season loss to Bo Ladyman, earning a 7-6 (2), 6-4 victory to give Alabama the 3-0 lead.

The final four singles matches went to three sets. Furman sophomore Sawyer Duncan forced a third set at number six, but Doverspike proved too much, pulling off the 6-1, 6-7 (2), 6-1 win and clinching the match for Alabama. The loss was the first for Duncan in the last 19 matches.

Furman senior starters Andy Juc, Bo Ladyman, and Daniel Knause conclude impressive careers, having led Furman to three Southern Conference regular-season titles, three SoCon Tournament crowns, and three NCAA Tournament appearances during their four-year careers. The Paladins have compiled 75 victories over the last four seasons and are undefeated in conference play during the last two years.

Doubles
1. #45 Andy Juc/Bo Ladyman (FUR) vs. #23 Dan Buikema/Mathieu Thibaudeau (UA) 6-6, unfinished
2. Billy Mertz/Saketh Myneni (UA) def. Chris Rhyne/Chris Motes (FUR) 8-4
3. Ricky Doverspike/Michael Thompson (UA) def. Jordan Walters/Andrei Chvetsov (FUR) 8-6
Order: 2, 3

Singles
1. #104 Andy Juc (FUR) vs. #22 Saketh Myneni (UA) 5-7, 6-4, 2-2 unfinished
2. #84 Mathieu Thibaudeau (UA) def. Bo Ladyman (FUR) 7-6 (2), 6-4
3. Dan Buikema (UA) def. Daniel Knause (FUR) 6-3, 6-2
4. Chris Motes (FUR) vs. Michael Thompson (UA) 6-3, 5-7, 2-4 unfinished
5. Jordan Walters (FUR) vs. Billy Mertz (UA) 6-4, 4-6, 3-3 unfinished
6. Ricky Doverspike (UA) def. Sawyer Duncan (FUR) 6-1, 6-7 (2), 6-1
Order: 3, 2, 6