05-16-2004, 01:04 AM
The SMU men's tennis saw its successful 2003-04 season come to an end Saturday night, as the Mustangs fell to No. 2 ranked Baylor, 4-0, in second round action of the 2004 NCAA Men's Tennis Championship at the Baylor Tennis Center in Waco, Texas. The loss ended a season that saw the Mustangs take home Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors, while making the NCAA Championships for the eighth consecutive season.
On Saturday, Baylor potent lineup successfully defeated the Ponies for the third consecutive time in 2004. In doubles, Baylor got out to an early 1-0 lead after wins at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. Baylor's No. 20 ranked team of Benedikt Dorsch and Matija Zgaga defeated the SMU No. 26 ranked duo of Johan Brunstrom and Henrik Soderberg, 8-3, at No. 1 doubles. Baylor's No. 22 ranked team of Benjamin Becker and Matias Marin, clinched the doubles point with their 8-5 victory over SMU's Gwinyai Chingoka and Paul McNaughton at No. 2 doubles.
In singles play, it was more of the same, as Baylor took matches at No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 singles to clinch the match and move on to the Sweet 16 round. SMU's Henrik Soderberg fell 6-1, 6-1 to Baylor's No. 15 ranked Benjamin Becker at No. 2 singles to start off singles play. No. 98 Matias Marin followed with a 6-2, 6-3 win over SMU's Gwinyai Chingoka at No. 3. No. 113 Matija Zgaga closed it out for the Bears with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Lukasz Senczyszyn at No. 4 singles, giving Baylor a 4-0 victory.
“(When Baylor wins the doubles point) they play very very confidently, and that is just too much to overcome," SMU head coach Carl Neufeld said. "It’s like spotting a pitcher a couple of strikes. If Baylor wins the doubles point they won’t lose and they’re going to win the national championship.
On Saturday, Baylor potent lineup successfully defeated the Ponies for the third consecutive time in 2004. In doubles, Baylor got out to an early 1-0 lead after wins at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. Baylor's No. 20 ranked team of Benedikt Dorsch and Matija Zgaga defeated the SMU No. 26 ranked duo of Johan Brunstrom and Henrik Soderberg, 8-3, at No. 1 doubles. Baylor's No. 22 ranked team of Benjamin Becker and Matias Marin, clinched the doubles point with their 8-5 victory over SMU's Gwinyai Chingoka and Paul McNaughton at No. 2 doubles.
In singles play, it was more of the same, as Baylor took matches at No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 singles to clinch the match and move on to the Sweet 16 round. SMU's Henrik Soderberg fell 6-1, 6-1 to Baylor's No. 15 ranked Benjamin Becker at No. 2 singles to start off singles play. No. 98 Matias Marin followed with a 6-2, 6-3 win over SMU's Gwinyai Chingoka at No. 3. No. 113 Matija Zgaga closed it out for the Bears with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Lukasz Senczyszyn at No. 4 singles, giving Baylor a 4-0 victory.
“(When Baylor wins the doubles point) they play very very confidently, and that is just too much to overcome," SMU head coach Carl Neufeld said. "It’s like spotting a pitcher a couple of strikes. If Baylor wins the doubles point they won’t lose and they’re going to win the national championship.