Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
NCAA Singles Championship
Siwy Powers Through to Second Round
5/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
May 20, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Just days after finding out he would play in the NCAA Singles Tournament, Fresno State's 59th-ranked Rudolf Siwy took matters into his own hands to extend his season by defeating No. 27 Michael Shabaz of Virginia, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, on Wednesday in College Station, Texas.
The senior from Trinec, Czech Republic, was the No. 1 alternate for the NCAA Tournament and came out focused for his first round match against Shabaz, winning the first set, 6-3.
Shabaz showed a lot of fight and came back to forced a final set as he won the second set, 3-6.
Each competitor had to battle for every point and exchanged advantages throughout multiple games.
"He was a tough opponent, it could have gone either way," Siwy said. "But every time I was in a longer point I felt confident."
Determined to continue his senior season, Siwy took a commanding 4-1 lead to start the third set. Shabaz rallied back to cut the lead to 5-3, but Siwy finished the final set, 6-3, to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
"Rudy was in good form today and hitting balls well, it was good to get through the first round," head coach Jay Udwadia said.
Siwy will play No. 15 Blake Strode of Arkansas on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. PT.
"Join the State - Fresno State" - Senior Rudolf Siwy will represent Fresno State at the NCAA Singles Tournament on Wednesday in College Station, Texas. Follow the 'Dogs throughout the season on www.gobulldogs.com.
Players Mentioned
