The Rice men also won today, defeating Tulsa decisively, 4-1.

Rice won the doubles point ... then Tulsa's #1 Rollins beat our Zemel in straight sets. The our #5 Kuzmenok won in straight sets and Sendogan triumphed in three. Our 4th point (which was actually the 2nd singles match to finish) was earned by #6 Kapasi when his opponent, who won the first set of their match, retired. Perhaps someone close to the action can explain what happened.

https://riceowls.com/sports/mens-tennis/...core/27945

The Owls will face the #1 seed Memphis Saturday at noon (Central time).

SMU women beat Rice, 4-2.

Rice men win the doubles point vs Memphis.

Darn.

Men lead 3-2, but gave up opportunities to win at both #2 and #5. Both of those are heading to a third set.

And Memphis comes back to win it.

Damn what a bummer. At least the men finally reached the finals.

(04-20-2024 06:06 PM)Texasowl Wrote:  Damn what a bummer. At least the men finally reached the finals.

It was the semifinals.

At least this season was a turnaround for the men. Put some good wins together and did well in conference, including beating hosts Tulsa in the tournament. Close to achieving more, but a step in the right direction.

I was surprised to see the women have finished top 4 in conference (made conf tournament semis) 20+ straight years, if I read correctly.

Both teams were playing without the No. 1 player from last year due to injuries. Both players should be back next year.

On the women's side, Fedi and Chie will graduate and move on. Zipoli (last year's No. 1) should be back along with this year's 2, 3, 5 and 6.

On the men's side, Trinity Grear will graduate and move on. As I understand it, Yasha Zelem (this year's No. 1) has been admitted to graduate school if the NCAA grants an additional year (since he played the COVID year at Kentucky). If he isn't granted the additional year, he will probably move on from Rice (due to the costs involved, although I understand that Rice really would like to see him here in graduate school next year).