The St. Edward’s men’s tennis team swept all three doubles points to take the regional match against Abilene Christian, 5-3 Saturday afternoon.
St. Edward’s (9-9) started the match in doubles as junior Mick Walter and senior Boris Barrios paired up in the No. 1 match against Luke Hawk and John Strahl, 8-6. In the No. 2 match, senior Brett Powers and sophomore Ned Boone took down Eldad Campbell and Brett Proctor, 8-4. The senior duo of Bernie Lancaster and Justin Raiti battled back after being down 7-3 in the No. 3 match against Bryan Joiner and Alfredo Desiati. The Hilltoppers forced the match to a tie-breaker for a, 9-8 win and sweep of doubles.
The Hilltoppers continued their momentum as Boone defeated Campbell in straight to take the No. 1 match, 6-4, 7-6. Walter was defeated in the No. 4 match by Hawk, 6-4, 6-2. Barrios fell in the No. 5 match to Joiner, 6-2, 6-0. Sophomore Ryan Wiggins was defeated in the No. 6 by Proctor, 6-1, 6-4. Powers took the match clenching point as he took the No. 2 match against Strahl, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
St. Edward’s coach Russell Sterns was excited about the victory as he stated, “It is difficult to beat Abilene Christian as home. Sweeping doubles was important in this victory and it says a lot about Raiti and Lancaster to come back from being down. This victory should solidify our position in the South Central Region.”
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Monday as they host Heartland Conference opponent, Dallas Baptist. First-serve is set for 2 p.m.