WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Cleveland State men's tennis team began play at the Purdue Invitational Friday, with an excellent performance in singles play as four Vikings advance in their respective singles brackets.
"It has been many moons since I have been at a tennis facility for that many hours straight, but we competed well today and we were able to keep our focus despite the long day," head coach Brian Etzkin said. "Matt Ford played some good tennis in both singles and doubles, Matt Kuelker was able to grind out a win on a day when he wasn't playing his best tennis, and Joe picked up a good win against a league opponent. Throughout the day we had some ups and downs, but we will get a few hours of rest and get back at it tomorrow morning and hopefully continue to improve our play."
Four Vikings advanced to the round of 16 in the main singles draws Friday, including Matt Kuelker who posted a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory in the A Singles Flight. Ali Shabib earned a 7-5, 6-4 victory in the B Flight, while Matt Ford earned a 6-4, 6-2 win in the C Flight and Joe VanMeter claimed a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory in the D Flight.
Due to rain throughout the day Friday, the second round of singles action will be played tomorrow.
CSU split its doubles matches on day one, with Ford and Jorg van der Vloet picking up an 8-3 victory in the B Doubles bracket.
Action is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, with two rounds of doubles, followed by singles play. Fans are encouraged to follow Purdue Men's Tennis on Twitter (@PurdueMT) for up-to-the-minute results.
CSU Results
A Singles
Matt Kuelker (CSU) def. Jason Jaruvang (IUPUI), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
B Singles
Michael Moe (XU) def. Manuel Bellutti (CSU), 7-5, 7-5
Ali Shabib (CSU) def. Collier Bouchillion (WoSL), 7-5, 6-4
C Singles
Matt Ford (CSU) def. Tommy Marx (BU), 6-4, 6-2
Colton Buffington (UL) def. Jorg van der Vloet (CSU), 6-3, 7-5
D Singles
Zach Phillips (WMU) def. Nolan Marks (CSU), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
Joe VanMeter (CSU) def. Michael Tebon (GB), 2-6, 6-4, 6-1
A Doubles
Dykema/Sklyr (MU) def. Kuelker/VanMeter (CSU), 8-6
B Doubles
Ford/van der Vloet (CSU) def. Dunn/Baiocchi (VALPO), 8-3
