Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
NCAA Singles Championship
Siwy Finishes Career at NCAA Tournament
5/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
May 21, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State senior Rudolf Siwy fought hard for every point to extend his season, from the time he was named the No. 1 alternate until his final match against No. 15 Blake Strode of Arkansas, a 6-2, 6-3 victory for the Razorback senior in the NCAA Singles Tournament Round of 32 on Thursday in College Station, Texas.
Early on the two seniors exchanged blows and found themselves in a tight 3-2 match. Strode went on to win the next three games to win the first set, 6-2.
The second set began similarly to the first set, as Siwy was able to the tie the set at two games apiece.
Strode caught fire and won the next three games, but Siwy cut the lead to 5-3 before Strode finished the match with a 6-3 victory in the second set.
"I give credit to Arkansas, Strode played a solid match," head coach Jay Udwadia said.
The match concluded Siwy's collegiate career. During his time at Fresno State he was named the 2008 WAC Player of the Year, earned First Team All WAC honors the past two seasons in singles and doubles and won 80 singles matches -- 13th most in school history.
"Rudy has meant a lot to our program," Udwadia said. "He's proved to be one of the best players in college tennis during his last two season. He's set a great example for the rest of the team on the court and in the classroom."
Siwy was the first Bulldog to play in the NCAA Tournament since Jakub Cech in 2006.
NCAA MEN'S TENNIS
NCAA Singles Tournament
May 20-21, 2009 - College Station, Texas
First Round (May 20)
No. 59 Rudolf Siwy (FS) def. No. 27 Michael Shabaz (UVA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Second Round (May 21)
No. 15 Blake Strode (ARK) def. No. 59 Rudolf Siwy (FS) 6-2, 6-3
"Join the State - Fresno State" - Follow the 'Dogs throughout the season on www.gobulldogs.com.
Players Mentioned
