Jan. 23, 2010
Final Stats
Contact: Greg Murphy
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Cleveland State opened its 2010 spring season with one of the biggest wins in program history, topping Michigan State, 4-3, on Saturday afternoon.
The Vikings, who had never defeated a team from the Big Ten under eighth-year head coach Brian Etzkin, improved to 1-0, while the Spartans fell to 3-1.
"This is such a great feeling and a tremendous win for our program," Etzkin said. "I feel like this was a total team effort because we received contributions from everyone on the roster. Other than the two conference championship matches, I think this is the most memorable win.
"The guys worked extremely hard after the fall season ended and I think it showed today. They did a great job of staying in shape and that helped today as we had to battle for key points at different times during the match."
The Vikings got off to a quick start, winning at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles to claim the doubles point and a 1-0 lead.
Phil Orno and Ryan Hamning combined to post a 9-7 win at the top spot, while Rob Fox and John Haley, who advanced to the round of 16 at the ITA Regionals in the fall, earned an 8-6 win at the No. 2 spot.
"Being able to get the doubles point was huge because it took away some of their momentum and their home-court advantage," Etzkin said. "If we continue to play doubles like that, I feel that we can have a lot of success this season."
CSU took a 2-0 lead when Yannick Goosens picked up a straight set (6-4, 6-4) win at No. 2 singles. After the Spartans got on the board with a win at No. 6 singles, CSU's Haley pushed the lead to 3-1 with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 win at No. 5 singles.
"John played some great tennis today, considering the fact that this was his first dual match at the Division I level," Etzkin said. "He was very poised on the court and won a lot of big points. I was very impressed with John today."
The Vikings had three chances to clinch the way, but MSU stayed in the match with wins at No.3 and No. 4 singles, leaving the fate of the day at No. 1 singles where Orno was facing Ronnie Hulewicz.
Hulewicz took the first set, 6-4, but Orno rallied to win the final two, 7-5, 6-2, giving the Vikings the win.
"Phil did not have his best today, but he really battled hard to pull out the win," Etzkin said. "He knew what he needed to do and I don't know if there are many more players I would want on the court when we need a win."
The Vikings will now be out of action until Saturday (Jan. 30) when CSU hosts Xavier at 2:00 p.m.
Cleveland State 4, Michigan State 3
Jan 23, 2010 at East Lansing, Mich.
Singles competition
1. Orno, Phil (CSU) def. HULEWICZ, Ronnie (MICHST) 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
2. Goossens, Yannick (CSU) def. BROOKS, Austin (MICHST) 6-4, 6-4
3. BOGATOV, Denis (MICHST) def. Hamning, Ryan (CSU) 3-6, 7-6, 6-1
4. STRATTON, John (MICHST) def. FOX, Rob (CSU) 6-3, 6-7, 6-1
5. Haley, John (CSU) def. DAVIS, Will (MICHST) 7-6, 6-4
6. RICHARDSON, Clark (MICHST) def. Klepatz, Chris (CSU) 6-3, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. ORNO, Phil/HAMNING, Ryan (CSU) def. BROOKS, Austin/STRATTON, John (MICHST) 9-7
2. HALEY, John/FOX, Rob (CSU) def. NORVILLE, Jason/VALLEE, Joe (MICHST) 8-6
3. BOGATOV, Denis/RICHARDSON, Clark (MICHST) def. GOOSSENS, Yannick/KLEPATZ, Chris (CSU) 8-5
