Tigers shutout Spartans

Friday, February 8

Memphis, Tenn.

6:30 p.m.

University of Memphis

Michigan State

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Feb 08, 2019 | Men's Tennis

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis men's tennis continued its winning ways with a 7-0 victory against Michigan State Friday night at the Racquet Club of Memphis.

For the eighth time this season, the Tigers (8-1) used early energy in doubles to build momentum. Memphis then turned in six wins in singles play against the Spartans (5-5) with five coming in straight-set fashion.

"Doubles can be funny, it's only worth one point, but it's so important," Associate Head Coach Chris Doerr said of the early swing. "We practice a lot of doubles, and some of our recruiting is based around that as well. I don't feel like we were surprised. Courts 2 and 3 came out well today and were aggressive."

In the opening point, duo Matt Story and Jeremy Taylor were first off the court with a 6-1 victory as the pair pushed their doubles dual-match record to 4-1.

"We started playing the fall pretty well together, and I think the more matches we played together we've built a lot of confidence knowing each other on the court," Story said of the partnership. "I think working with each other in practice and being critical on each other in what we do helps in the matches."

In the deciding match, Jan Pallares and Patrick Sydow also claimed a 6-1 victory. Their win gave Memphis a 1-0 match advantage and marked the fourth time this season the pair sealed the opening point.

The momentum carried to singles, where Story was first off the court with a 6-0, 6-0 win. Having appeared in just seven dual-match singles contests prior to this season, the victory pushed the junior's 2019 spring singles record to 5-0.

"I think confidence has a lot to do with it," Story said of his strong start. "I had a good fall, and all the guys have been so supportive over the last few months. It has really shown in my game, and I'm happy to get the win for the team."

Freshman David Stevenson followed in straight sets, while junior Jan Pallares provided the match-clinching point seconds later with a 6-2, 6-4 win.

Playing out the match, freshman Oscar Cutting took court 5 by a score of 6-2, 6-2. After falling behind in the second set 4-1, senior Chris Patzanovsky rallied to force a tiebreak and outlasted Michigan State's Jack Winkler, 6-3, 7-6(3). Freshman Patrick Sydow then capped a three-set bout on court 6 to secure the shutout.

"Being down 1-4 in a set is difficult, especially a double break down," Patzanovsky said. "I just wanted to stay relaxed a play my best tennis, because (Winkler) was playing very well at that point. I think I managed it well. It was great effort from everybody."

Memphis will close a four-match home stand with a visit from No. 24 LSU (6-1) on Sunday at the Racquet Club of Memphis. First serve is set for noon.

"I feel like all season we've done a great job of taking it one match at a time," Doerr added. "We'll shift our focus now to our next match on Sunday, and we're looking forward to playing again."

RESULTS
Singles
1. Chris Patzanovsky (MEM) def. Jack Winkler (MSU), 6-3, 7-6(3)
2. Jan Pallares (MEM) def. John Carlin (MSU), 6-2, 6-4
3. Matt Story (MEM) def. Billy Shisler (MSU), 6-0, 6-0
4. David Stevenson (MEM) def. Carson Gates (MSU), 6-4, 6-1
5. Oscar Cutting (MEM) def. Nick Williams (MSU), 6-2, 6-2
6. Patrick Sydow (MEM) def. Anthony Pero (MSU), 6-1, 1-6, 6-3
(Order of finish: 3, 4, 2, 5, 1, 6)

Doubles
1. Cutting/Stevenson (MEM) vs. Rakic/Shisler (MSU), 4-3, unfinished
2. Pallares/Sydow (MEM) def. Williams/Winkler (MSU), 6-1
3. Story/Taylor (MEM) def. Carlin/Pero (MSU), 6-1
(Order of finish: 3, 2)