Hogs undefeated in Eugene

Eugene, Ore. — Eugene, Ore.- The No. 50University of Arkansas men’s tennis team powered over the competition this weekend with wins over Cal Poly and Oregon in Eugene, Ore. The Hogs opened up against the Oregon Duck inside the Student Tennis Center on Friday, before defeating the Cal Poly Mustangs, 6-1.

“We had a very successful weekend,” head coach Robert Cox said. “We are continuing to build and improve after every match.”

Against Oregon, the Hogs took an early lead winning the doubles point and never let up. Arkansas won the match, 5-2.

At the No. 1 singles position, No. 62 Christopher Nott dropped 4-0 to Marcos Verdasco of Oregon but bounced back and won 12 consecutive games to win the match, 6-4, 6-0. Nico Bjerke fought hard but Nikolas Zogaj proved too strong and won the match, 6-2, 6-2.

The Hogs momentum continued as standout freshman Michael Ward showcased a stunning performance at the No. 6 position defeating Duncan MacDonald-Korth in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5.

In doubles action, the hogs won the doubles point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 3 positions. Before Friday’s matchup, the Ducks were undefeated in doubles, with all three teams ranked in the top 60 in the nation. The No. 29-ranked duo of Nott and Lebedev picked up their eighth win of the season in doubles.

Arkansas will return to Fayetteville to host UMKC and Johnson County C.C. Saturday, Feb. 27 at noon and 5 p.m.

Arkansas 5 Oregon 2

Singles:

No. 62 Christopher Nott (UA) def. (UO) Marcos Verdasco, 6-4, 6-0

Alexander Cornelissen (UO) def. Dmitry Lebedev (UO), 7-5, 7-6

Ric Mortera (UO) def. Hogan (UO), 3-6, 6-3, 6-0

Nikolas Zogaj (UA) def. Nico Bjerke (UO), 6-2, 6-2

Gregoire Lehmann (UA) def. Aaron Clissold (UO), 6-3, 2-6, 6-4

Michael Ward (UA) def. Duncan MacDonald-Korth (UO), 6-3, 7-5

Doubles:

No. 29 Nott/Lebedev (UA) def. No. 45 Verdasco/Cornelissen (UO), 8-4

No. 45 Bjerke/Mortera (UO) def ARK Hogan/Walters (UA), 8-7

Williams/King (UA) def. No. 58 Izquierdo/Clissold (UO), 8-4