Fresno State Athletics
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10/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Oct. 4, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. -
A rain delay washed out play in the morning, but the Bulldog Classic was in full swing Saturday evening. Four Bulldogs remained in the tournament tournament to start the day, three in singles and one doubles team. Rikus Devilliers, Flavio Mollinedo, and Taylor Leiby all reached the quarterfinals of singles play, while Remi Bouitllier and Devilliers teamed up in the A-draw of doubles action.
Devilliers continued stellar singles play as he defeated Charl Wolmarans of the University of San Diego 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the A-draw.
After winning the quarterfinal match in straight sets, Devilliers and Jonathan Dahan of Cal engaged in a back and forth affair. Devilliers picked up the first set, but Dahan fought back and won the second. In the deciding set, Devilliers' strong serve overpowered Dahan to win the match 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 and advance to Sunday's final.
"I am really proud of the way our guys competed today," assistant coach Lee Nickell said. "Everyone played with a purpose and it shows by have a player in both the a and b draw finals."
Mollinedo continued with the momentum from Friday, winning his quarterfinal match 6-2, 6-4 over Blaine Shields of Boise State to advance to the B-draw semifinals. The quarterfinal victory marked the third straight-set victory for Mollinedo in the tournament.
Leiby also earned a spot in the B-draw quarterfinals after two victories on Friday. Leiby dropped the first set against Jose Villa of Fresno City College, before fighting back and taking the second set. Villa prevailed in the third taking the match from Leiby 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
In the B-draw semifinals Mollinedo was matched up against Artem Gramma of Pacific. Mollinedo and Gramma battled to three sets before Mollinedo prevailed 7-5, 1-6, 6-4, to advance to tomorrow's B-draw final.
In doubles action of the A-draw Boutillier/Devilliers faced Amaroli/Lee of UC Davis in the round of 16. The Bulldog Duo cruised to an 8-2 victory, and played their quarterfinal match immediately following.
Boutillier and Devilliers faced Keuhne/Starke of Pacific in the quarters. The duo continued their impressive play winning 8-3.
Devilliers will look to capture the Bulldog Classic A-draw title in his first tournament with Fresno State Sunday. He will face the tournament's top seed Pedro Zerbini of Cal at 10:00 a.m.
Mollinedo, like his teammate will also be competing for a championship as he earned a spot in the B-draw finals. He will face San Diego State's Tim Shulz Van Endert at 10:00 a.m.
Devilliers/Boutillier will also continue doubles play on the final day of the tournament in the semifinals of the A-draw doubles.
"Rikus and Remi continued to get better as a team," said Nickell. "I'm looking forward to seeing them compete in the semifinals tomorrow."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" The Bulldog Classic will conclude Sunday. Check gobulldogs.com for updates.
Players Mentioned
