30 April 2012

Boys Tennis: Minnehaha Academy gets last laugh in 4-3 non-conference win

Ivan Rodriguez 4-6, 7-6 (5) (10-8) winner at No. 3 singles
















A failure to hold big leads proved costly in a 4-3 non-conference loss to Minnehaha Academy Monday afternoon on the Boeckman Middle School courts.

Two of the Tiger victories came in the singles bracket where Ben Cline won a 6-4, 6-3 straight-set verdict at the No. 2 position and Ivan Rodriguez ground  out a come-from-behind 4-6, 7-6 (5), 10-8 super tie-breaker win at the No. 3 slot.

"Ivan saved two match points in the second set before prevailing in the super tie-breaker," coach Jack Olwell said.

 The third win came at third doubles where the tandem of Austin Rau and Jon Zakoski eked out a 6-4, 4-6 (10-8) decision.

Blake Olmscheid led 5-2 in splitting two sets at first singles before losing a 7-10 super tie-breaker and Bennett Lagro held a 4-1 in the second set in the fourth doubles match before falling 2-6, 5-7.

"This was an exciting match up and down the line," Olwell said, "with some opportunities gained and some opportunities missed. The way we took charge (early) led me to believe we would close it out, but it doesn't always work out that way."

The Tigers return to action Tuesday with a Missota Conference road match at Holy Angels. Thursday they return home to square off against Northfield.