Play Continues at Men's Tennis All-American Tourney
10/9/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
 |
|
After playing his way into the main draw of the Icy Hot/ITA All-American Championships in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Wednesday University of Alabama senior Stephen Mitchell won his first round match Thursday morning, beating San Diego State’s Felix Hardt in straight sets.
Mitchell’s run of seven straight match wins ended in the afternoon session, however, when he fell to Southern Cal’s Johan Berg, 7-5, 7-5, in consolation play, ending the tournament for Mitchell.
Alabama senior Chris Gostek also played in today’s first round main draw action, but fell to Texas’ Jose Sarhi, 6-1, 7-5. Sarhi is ranked No. 39 in singles in the nation. Gostek is set for action Saturday at 9 a.m. in the consolation draw of the nation’s largest collegiate tennis tournament.
“It’s a great achievement to have two players reach the main draw of the All-American. This is one of the elite tournaments in the nation,” Alabama head coach Billy Pate said. “Stephen (Mitchell) has proven that he can play with anyone in the nation, and we will continue to improve.”
The season doesn’t slow down for the Tide men’s team, either. The Tide plays in the ITA Region III Indoors in Memphis, Tenn. beginning next Thursday.
