Qualifying over Hogs look to main draw

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After breezing through their qualifying matches on Thursday, nine Razorbacks will serve in the first round of the Wilson/ITA Central Region Championships, beginning Friday.In the qualifying round, freshman Matt Walters rolled over Bryan Beasley of St. Louis University in straight sets, 6-0, 6-4 in first match completed by a Razorback. Hogs Nick Spinazze and Connor Smith also claimed spots in the main draw beating St. Louis’ Adam Reeb 6-2, 6-4, and Drew Freeman of Nebraska, also 6-2, 6-4, respectively.

“Our three guys who advanced played phenomenal tennis today,” said Cox. “I don’t know when the last time was that we had nine players in the main draw in a tournament of this caliber, and to be hosting the event as well is just awesome.”

The only Arkansas loss was a three set battle between the Hogs’ Tariq Ismail and Tulsa’s Patrick Collins. Ismail took the first set but Collins found a rhythm and tied the match at a set apiece. In the final set, Ismail was unable to overcome a streaking Collins, who took the final set and the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

“Tariq had a great match and a chance to advance but I have to give Tulsa credit, they’re always a well-coached team and Collins made a good comeback to win the match,” said Cox.

The Razorbacks will be back on the court Friday morning, first serve set for 8:30 a.m. in the round of 64 for Nott, Tarnasky, Smith, Williams, and Walters, teammates King and Spinazze to play at 9:30 a.m., and Hogan and Lebedev playing at 10:30 a.m. The doubles tournament will begin play at 5:00 p.m. following the first and second round of singles. For complete men’s tennis coverage, log on to www.ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Friday’s Schedule of play:Singles:

Nott vs. Benedikt Lindheim (Nebraska) 8:30 a.m.Tarnasky vs. Michah LeMoine (Ill. State) 8:30 a.m.Smith vs. (13) Adrian Chermaci (Wichita St.) 8:30 a.m.Williams vs. Jonathan Obrist, (Wichita St.) 8:30 a.m.Walters vs. Rusty Turpin (Tulsa) 8:30 a.m.King vs. Michael Hobson (Ill. State) 9:30 a.m.Spinazze vs. Ricardo Lau (Drake)9:30 a.m.(15) Lebedev vs. Xavier Riart-Ferrer (Ill. State)10:30 a.m.(7) Hogan vs. Ivan Mendoza (Drake) 10:30 a.m.

Doubles:(3) Strode/Hogan vs. Seagraves/Jou (Tulsa) 5:00 p.m.Spinazze/Smith vs. Stahmer/VanImpe (Nebraska)5:00 p.m.(5-8) Nott/King vs. Vidal/Rubiano (S. Illinois)5:00 p.m.Lebedev/Walters vs. Gordon/Beasley (St. Louis)5:00 p.m.Williams/Tarnasky vs. Mendoza/Lau (Drake)5:00 p.m.

Jump to Day 1 results.

— HOGS —