Alabama's Tennis Alumni Squeak Out Win at Reunion Match
10/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
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Alabama’s Tennis Legends earned a little revenge Saturday and defeated the current varsity team at the Alabama Alumni vs. Varsity match held at the UA Tennis Center. The Alumni squeaked out a 29-25 win.
The winner was determined by total games won. The Alumni took both singles matches while the Varsity claimed both doubles matches.
“It was a great experience for both our young team and the guys who returned to campus, a few of which hadn't been back to campus in 20 years,” Alabama head coach Billy Pate said. “This is a tradition we'd like to continue each year as these alums were such a big part of creating the momentum for us to be successful and have top notch facilities today."
Former All-American Francisco Rodriguez defeated junior Joseph Jung in singles 8-5. Rodriguez, now a touring professional, led Jung 7-1 and was on the verge of clinching the match, but Jung fought back and managed to take four consecutive games until Rodriguez put him away.
In the other singles match, Chris McRae, a 2002 graduate, defeated sophomore Taylor Striplin 8-4. McRae currently runs a top junior academy in San Antonio, Texas with John Roddick, the brother of Andy.
The varsity team won both doubles matches. Freshman Dan Buikema and sophomore Sammy Struyf defeated former All-American Max Belski and Wayne “Action” Jackson, 8-7. Sophomores Andrew Felsenthal and Jordie Kindervater took down All-American Stefan Olsson and Brad Friedman.
Singles
Francisco Rodriguez (A) d. Joseph Jung (V), 8-5
Chris McRae (A) d. Taylor Striplin (V), 8-4
Doubles
Dan Buikema/Sammy Struyf (V) d. Max Belski/Wayne Jackson (A), 8-7
Andrew Felsenthal/Jordie Kindervater (V) d. Brad Friedman/Stefan Olsson (A), 8-6
