Leathernecks Drop Road Finale as Haertel Secures Singles Victory

Christoph Haertel claims three-set victory at No. 1 singles in final road match of the season

FORT WAYNE, IND. - Western Illinois' men's tennis team closed out the road portion of its schedule on Saturday (April 18) afternoon, as the team faced South Dakota State in a Summit League dual. Christoph Haertel's victory at No. 1 singles led the way as Western dropped a 6-1 decision. Western fell to 0-18 (0-6 Summit League) on the season with the defeat.

Competing at the top spot, Haertel faced Andrea Boglic from South Dakota State. Haertel was pushed in the opening set, as it came down to a tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker, however, it was all Haertel as he cruised, 7-1, to claim the first set. Boglic forced a third-set tiebreaker when he defeated Haertel, 6-3, in the second set. Haertel rebounded to secure the victory in the tiebreaker as he took the 10-point tiebreaker, 10-7.

In other singles action, Chris Bunch (No. 2), Nikola Pavlovic (No. 3) and Surya Sawhney (No. 4) all dropped their matches by a 6-1, 6-0 score. Jacob Sanders and Ross Smith could never get anything going as they fell, 6-0, 6-0 at the No. 5 and 6 positions, respectively.

Prior to the start of single play, Western looked to claim the doubles point, but were unsuccessful as the Jackrabbits swept all three matches. Haertel and Pavlovic fell 8-3 at the No. 1 spot, Bunch and Sawhney dropped an 8-2 decision at No. 2 doubles, and Smith and Sanders fell by a final score of 8-1 at the No. 3 slot.

The Leathernecks return home to face Saint Louis on Sunday, April 19. Sunday will mark the final home match for Haertel, Bunch, and Anthony Timberlake, who will be honored prior to the start of the match. First serve between Western and Saint Louis is set for 1:30 p.m.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Chris Bunch: Senior

Christoph Haertel: Senior

Surya Sawhney: Freshman

Jacob Sanders: Freshman

Nikola Pavlovic: Junior

Ross Smith: Junior

Anthony Timberlake: Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Chris Bunch
: Senior

Christoph Haertel
: Senior

Surya Sawhney
: Freshman

Jacob Sanders
: Freshman

Nikola Pavlovic
: Junior

Ross Smith
: Junior

Anthony Timberlake
: Sophomore