Looks like Jim Daugherty has gotten a couple more nationally ranked players play for the brown and gold.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2015-16/15056/ancona-brozovich-ink-nlis-with-mens-tennis/#.VkzhbYQ4ko8 (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2015-16/15056/ancona-brozovich-ink-nlis-with-mens-tennis/#.VkzhbYQ4ko8) :thumbsup:
Now, if only track and field would follow his lead :(
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 18, 2015, 02:41:05 PM
Looks like Jim Daugherty has gotten a couple more nationally ranked players play for the brown and gold.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2015-16/15056/ancona-brozovich-ink-nlis-with-mens-tennis/#.VkzhbYQ4ko8 (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2015-16/15056/ancona-brozovich-ink-nlis-with-mens-tennis/#.VkzhbYQ4ko8) :thumbsup:
Now, if only track and field would follow his lead :(
Don't forget Women's Tennis and Men's and Women's Swimming.....
In addition to a great team this year at 16-5 (2-0) so far, we keep getting solid recruits in men's tennis! Hopefully women's tennis is able to do the same with Cecchini in charge, since the NWI Courts appear to be a solid recruiting tool. Our coach has been in charge for many years, but it seems that when this was built, it changed the recruiting game for him.
http://valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2015-16/15454/mens-tennis-lands-oklahoma-state-champion-langston/#.VxEgFfkrKM8
This is great news for a team that will return almost all of their players from this year's team.
I found it interesting that the announcement said that he " inked a financial aid agreement ", not a National Letter of Intent. This is the way football players are "signed" by schools like Valpo.
Now up to 17-5 (3-0) after beating UIC 6-1 today
Took down UDM 6-1 on Sunday. Now 18-5, 4-0 HL
Another win gets us to 19-5 (5-0). We have already clinched the #1 seed, and a share of the regular season title. We should clinch the outright title tomorrow against CSU.
HL regular season champs at 20-5 (6-0)! Wright State apparently canceled their season after 2 games, due to player violations of some sort (nothing explains why exactly). We will be heavy favorites to get the NCAA bid during the tournament championship at Michigan!
And it gets better next year with some new commits.
Both Men's and Women's Tennis received major financial boosts a few years ago, plus a lot of resources were put in for indoor space and the new courts by the softball field, correct?
I believe the outdoor Tennis complex came out of the FITT campaign. Then the athletic department entered into a deal with the Courts of NW Indiana (across from the new Porter Regional Hospital out by Rt 43 and US 6. I also believe there is some partial athletic scholarship money as a part of the commitment. The combination of these initiatives coupled with Valpo's outstanding academic reputation and attractive campus has really made a difference in attracting top Mid-west tennis talent. The men's team were first to leverage it, but Tammy Cecchini seems to have now made recruiting inroads on the women's side. For tennis, as well as golf, it's all about attracting talented HS players, then fine tuning their skills. I don't think you will find huge jumps in development from average athletes into premier athletes at the college level. For these sports, I think you have to recruit the highest level talent you can and then turn them loose.
So it looks like nobody else has noticed that Men's tennis is HORIZON LEAGUE CHAMPS!!!! For the 1st time in program history and now headed for the NCAA tourney!!!! Congrats on a fabulous year and good luck in the tourney!!!!! :thewave: :cheers: :cheers: :dance: :dance:
We just need men's soccer and women's golf to make the NCAA, and all of our team sports will have at least one NCAA tourney in the last 20 years. Congrats guys!
Quote from: vu72 on May 01, 2016, 08:36:39 PM
So it looks like nobody else has noticed that Men's tennis is HORIZON LEAGUE CHAMPS!!!! For the 1st time in program history and now headed for the NCAA tourney!!!! Congrats on a fabulous year and good luck in the tourney!!!!! :thewave: :cheers: :cheers: :dance: :dance:
I saw this on some of the social media (twitter, facebook). Congrats to the Men's Tennis team!
GREAT JOB! We are proud to see the success of the men's tennis program. Best wishes in the NCAA tourney!
Top 16 teams host two rounds, so I guess we did pretty well to draw #14 Northwestern. May 14.
Winner plays the winner of Stanford - Notre Dame (still in Evanston, I gather).
We played Northwestern very well today, it seemed. All matches were close, and we had leads in the second set that didn't ended up in wins (Bacalla was up 5-2, but ended up losing that set 7-5). Great season guys, and we look forward to next year!
Even more impressive is that Valpo earned the first point in the NCAA tourney for the HL since ND in 1994!
http://valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2015-16/15554/crusaders-give-14-northwestern-tough-test-in-4-1-defeat/#.VzfhYPkrLIU
Quote from: valpotx on May 14, 2016, 09:46:23 PMsince ND in 1994!
I had completely forgotten that Notre Dame was a member.
We're blessed with the quality of men in our tennis program these days. Here's an expanded story on information posted on the athletics department's web site:
http://herald-review.com/sports/tennis/first-time-s-a-charm-at-beck/article_8de2a7a1-6ade-557b-af1f-e1a6d56354e5.html
Can't say enough about our Men's Tennis
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2016-17/15840/emhardt-schorsch-drop-dramatic-doubles-final-at-ita-midwest-regional/#.WA6-A3Q8KhA
Schorsch, Emhardt Become First Players in Program History to Qualify for ITA National Indoors
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Valparaiso University men's tennis players Jeffrey Schorsch (Perrysburg, Ohio / Perrysburg) and Charlie Emhardt (Carmel, Ind. / Carmel) added a new feat to their long list of accomplishments on Tuesday.
The seniors have qualified for the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships as a result of being awarded an ITA Wild Card Selection. They are the first players in program history to qualify for the event.
The prestigious event, which will take place from Nov. 3-6 in Flushing, N.Y., will feature the top 20 doubles teams in the nation. After three years of knocking on the door for a qualifying spot, Schorsch and Emhardt reached the goal with Tuesday's news.
As sophomores, Schorsch and Emhardt were semifinalists in the ITA Midwest Regional. As juniors, they went a step further by reaching the final match. They repeated as ITA Midwest Regional runners-up this season, dropping a thrilling three-set championship match to Michigan's Jathan Malik and Kevin Wong on Monday in Columbus, Ohio.
"It means a lot to those two," Valpo head coach Jim Daugherty said. "They were devastated after the loss, but they played very well and did everything they needed to do. It was one of the ultimate goals to reach the indoor national. They're elated. They're pumped, and so am I. I cherish this moment to be able to go with them and share this experience."
Schorsch and Emhardt continue to set the school record for career doubles wins each time they notch a victory. The rest of the defending Horizon League champion Crusaders will close out their fall season this weekend at the Illinois State Invitational, which begins on Friday in Normal, Ill.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2016-17/15846/schorsch-emhardt-become-first-players-in-program-history-to-qualify-for-ita-national-indoors/#.WBH6x3eZMo8
Emhardt and Schorsch defeat the No. 42 ranked Denver doubles team to move on against the No. 2 ranked team from Cal today at 4:30. Win or lose, no Valpo doubles team have ever even played in the ITA National Indoors championship, among the final 20 teams in the country. Great stuff indeed!!
Quote from: vu72 on November 03, 2016, 03:43:03 PM
Emhardt and Schorsch defeat the No. 42 ranked Denver doubles team to move on against the No. 2 ranked team from Cal today at 4:30. Win or lose, no Valpo doubles team have ever even played in the ITA National Indoors championship, among the final 20 teams in the country. Great stuff indeed!!
Schorsch and Emhardt win today over the ITA No. 2 ranked team in the country, from Cal. Undoubtedly the greatest win in Men's tennis history!! Congrats!! :o :thewave: :dance: :clap:
Had no idea Cal was #2 - but figured they were good.
I thought the seeded team wasn't until the _third_ round? If so, the next game may not get any easier.
Corrected: I must have mis-read the bracket. Cal was the top overall seed in the tournament. One of four seeded teams in the bracket. Huge win!
Very impressive performance from our guys, from what's already been a very impressive pair!
What is/was their ranking?
For the next matches:
Quote
Three of the top four seeds were knocked off on Thursday, leaving the national title wide open with eight doubles pairs remaining. Now, Schorsch and Emhardt turn their attention to Ole Miss's Fabian Fallert and Grey Hamilton, who they meet in the quarterfinals on Friday at 2 p.m. Central Time. Fallert and Hamilton are coming off a 6-4, 6-4 win over North Florida. Valpo can move to Saturday's semifinals with a win on Friday afternoon.
Quote from: agibson on November 04, 2016, 06:54:34 AMWhat is/was their ranking?
Here is the most recent ITA College Rankings. Our guys were ranked #55
http://www.itatennis.com/ResultsAndRankings/Rankings/Oracle_ITA_Division_I_Men_s_Collegiate_Tennis_Rankings/Oracle_ITA_Division_I_Men_s_National_Doubles_Rankings_-_Sept__13.htm
I am sure that these rankings are heavily biased towards the power conferences, but I guess we have now seen how accurate these rankings are with 3 of the top 4 seeds losing. :-X My guess is we are not #55 anymore. :)
Emhardt and Schorsch take down Ole Miss, 6-2, 6-4. On to the Final Four!! :thumbsup:
:thewave:
This is awesome! Nice job gentlemen! Bring home the title! This may be a stupid question. I was on campus for 4.5 years I promise, but has Valpo ever won a national title on any level in any sport?
Quote from: VUSWIM08-12 on November 04, 2016, 08:26:46 PM
This is awesome! Nice job gentlemen! Bring home the title! This may be a stupid question. I was on campus for 4.5 years I promise, but has Valpo ever won a national title on any level in any sport?
[/quote
Silly question! Of course!! Here ya go:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/hofmembers/1997-98/2901/patti-shook-boice/#.WB1YUPkrKyI
Emhardt and Schorsch win again and play for THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP tomorrow!!! Unbelievable accomplishment either way. They took down the No. 7 ranked team today but will have to get past the No. 2 seed who are ranking No. 3 nationally. I wouldn't bet against our guys. :thewave:
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Good luck to these two guys. What a way to go out in your senior year! #GoValpo
Funny time for a final, 10 AM central, 11 AM local. But I guess it is doubles.
Live stats:
http://www.tennisticker.de/usa/ita/sb.html?tournid=2933
Tough loss in the title match to #3 Nationally ranked Wake Forest, 6-3. 7-5
These guys will undoubtedly move into the top 20 with wins over No. 2, 6, 7 and 42. Congrats on a fabulous tournament!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Quote from: agibson on November 06, 2016, 07:13:19 AM
Funny time for a final, 10 AM central, 11 AM local. But I guess it is doubles.
Live stats:
http://www.tennisticker.de/usa/ita/sb.html?tournid=2933
They play men's and women's doubles, men's and women's singles all on the same day. I imagine men's doubles started the day so if one of the doubles team members played in the singles championship also they could have the maximum amount of time between matches. Yes, it is sexist.
Quote from: bbtds on November 07, 2016, 03:39:07 AM
Quote from: agibson on November 06, 2016, 07:13:19 AM
Funny time for a final, 10 AM central, 11 AM local. But I guess it is doubles.
Live stats:
http://www.tennisticker.de/usa/ita/sb.html?tournid=2933
They play men's and women's doubles, men's and women's singles all on the same day. I imagine men's doubles started the day so if one of the doubles team members played in the singles championship also they could have the maximum amount of time between matches. Yes, it is sexist.
Logical, but not the way it happened. The play started out with Women's Championship and Women's Consolation Championship as well as Women's Doubles Championship, Women's Doubles Consolation Championship, Men's Singles Consolation Championship and Men's Doubles Consolation Championship all at the same time. After those, the final two were the Men's Singles Championship and the Men's Doubles Championship, also started at the same time.
Quote from: vu72 on November 07, 2016, 07:12:22 AM
Quote from: bbtds on November 07, 2016, 03:39:07 AM
Quote from: agibson on November 06, 2016, 07:13:19 AM
Funny time for a final, 10 AM central, 11 AM local. But I guess it is doubles.
Live stats:
http://www.tennisticker.de/usa/ita/sb.html?tournid=2933
They play men's and women's doubles, men's and women's singles all on the same day. I imagine men's doubles started the day so if one of the doubles team members played in the singles championship also they could have the maximum amount of time between matches. Yes, it is sexist.
Logical, but not the way it happened. The play started out with Women's Championship and Women's Consolation Championship as well as Women's Doubles Championship, Women's Doubles Consolation Championship, Men's Singles Consolation Championship and Men's Doubles Consolation Championship all at the same time. After those, the final two were the Men's Singles Championship and the Men's Doubles Championship, also started at the same time.
Early risers, gluttons for punishment and multi-taskers. ;)
Great article in the Indianapolis Star this morning.....
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2016/12/12/underdog-valpo-tennis-duo-overachieves/95328774/
Possibly the best team at Valpo is flying under our radar. Men's Tennis stands at 14-1 and has won 13 in a row.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 13, 2017, 11:07:03 AM
Possibly the best team at Valpo is flying under our radar. Men's Tennis stands at 14-1 and has won 13 in a row.
After Barely losing in their opener to Wisconsin, 4-3. :clap:
If Valpo were to leave for the Missouri Valley Conference this could really impact the Men's Tennis team. Sounds like the MVC is dropping tennis and the programs that are not dropping it will be playing in the Summit League.
Something to look out for if Valpo leaves the Horizon League.
https://twitter.com/JCTSports/status/851863100408168450
Our tennis team would be able to find a home easily, with the recent success. I would venture a guess that the HL would not let us stay around, however :)
It really comes down to the end-of-the-season conference tournament for the right to be called the conference champion. In Tennis, there are few (If any) what we would call dual matches vs. conference opponents. A quick check of the VU MT 2016-2017 shows a vast majority of non-conference tournaments involving schools from all over. The spring trip also is all OOC. Bottom line, VU could be an associate member of any conference and then show up for the conference championships at the end of the season either in the Dakotas (Summit), Detroit (HL) or Tennessee (OVC) or even join the Big Ten (that's pushing it though) or the A-10.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 11, 2017, 03:03:45 PM
It really comes down to the end-of-the-season conference tournament for the right to be called the conference champion. In Tennis, there are few (If any) what we would call dual matches vs. conference opponents. A quick check of the VU MT 2016-2017 shows a vast majority of non-conference tournaments involving schools from all over. The spring trip also is all OOC. Bottom line, VU could be an associate member of any conference and then show up for the conference championships at the end of the season either in the Dakotas (Summit), Detroit (HL) or Tennessee (OVC) or even join the Big Ten (that's pushing it though) or the A-10.
The HL along with most other conferences I know of (Big Ten, MVC, etc.) do play dual matches against conference opponents during the season before the end of season conference championships. They are mixed in with other duals throughout the season so there is not a "conference" and "non-con" season like basketball but they do exist (2/24, 3/25, 3/26, 4/8, 4/9, 4/23 are some of the dates on this year's schedule). This does lead to having both regular season and conference tournament champions.
Thanks, I stand corrected. Here are the latest HL Regular Season Standings:
MEN'S 2017 STANDINGS
Conference Overall
Team W L W L
1 Valparaiso 5 0 19 32 Green Bay 3 0 6 7
3 Detroit Mercy 2 1 8 11
4 Youngstown State 3 2 15 7
5 Northern Kentucky 2 3 6 6
6 Cleveland State 2 3 8 13
7 Wright State 1 4 6 16
8 UIC 0 5 5 10
Quote from: mvandersee on April 11, 2017, 06:15:15 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 11, 2017, 03:03:45 PM
It really comes down to the end-of-the-season conference tournament for the right to be called the conference champion. In Tennis, there are few (If any) what we would call dual matches vs. conference opponents. A quick check of the VU MT 2016-2017 shows a vast majority of non-conference tournaments involving schools from all over. The spring trip also is all OOC. Bottom line, VU could be an associate member of any conference and then show up for the conference championships at the end of the season either in the Dakotas (Summit), Detroit (HL) or Tennessee (OVC) or even join the Big Ten (that's pushing it though) or the A-10.
The HL along with most other conferences I know of (Big Ten, MVC, etc.) do play dual matches against conference opponents during the season before the end of season conference championships. They are mixed in with other duals throughout the season so there is not a "conference" and "non-con" season like basketball but they do exist (2/24, 3/25, 3/26, 4/8, 4/9, 4/23 are some of the dates on this year's schedule). This does lead to having both regular season and conference tournament champions.
2017 HORIZON LEAGUE REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2016-17/17347/valpo-wins-horizon-league-regular-season-title/
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 24, 2017, 09:42:52 AM
2017 HORIZON LEAGUE REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2016-17/17347/valpo-wins-horizon-league-regular-season-title/
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Does this prove facilities are at least part of the formula for a winning program?
How else are we able to attract top flight tennis players (who are also good students and are willing to come to a fairly expensive private university) unless you have good courts (and the use of the local indoor complex). I do not believe MT/WT or MG/WG have the full compliment of scholarships, yet, at least on the men's side we are doing very well. The difference between the men's and women's programs seems to be that the women's programs haven't quite broken through on the recruiting front talent-wise. But winning begets winning so keep it rolling men!
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 24, 2017, 12:11:59 PM
How else are we able to attract top flight tennis players (who are also good students and are willing to come to a fairly expensive private university) unless you have good courts (and the use of the local indoor complex). I do not believe MT/WT or MG/WG have the full compliment of scholarships, yet, at least on the men's side we are doing very well. The difference between the men's and women's programs seems to be taht the women's programs hvaen't quite broken through on the recruiting front talent-wise. But winning begets winning so keep it rolling men!
Clearly we have had some"luck" with athletes like Jeffrey Schorsch and in basketball a guy like Alec Peters. Both were highly regarded coming out of high school but no on expected Alec to potentially be an NBA first rounder.
As for Jeffrey, he will end up being possibly the most highly decorated athlete in Valpo history as he already is the two time reigning Player of the Year and no doubt will be again this year. He and his doubles partner, Charley Emhardt were national indoor runner-ups and posssibly could go on to play at the pro level.
I would hope (expect) them to win the conference tournament and go on to the NCAAs and, depending on draw, get a win in the first round. They battled Northwestern last year and almost won as they did against Wisconsin earlier this year, losing 4-3.
NCAA bound again!! I don't know if anyone else watched, but we almost blew it. We were up 3-0, with all 4 remaining singles matches going to a third set. We lose the next 3 to take it to 3-3, and Dunn saves us yet again (just like against YSU yesterday), by winning in a match tiebreaker 7-6 (6-4)! He was up 5-1 in that match tiebreaker, but Malm ran off 3 points to make it 5-4, before Dunn placed a perfect shot on the other side of the court to win. That was pretty nerve-wracking to watch, so I can only imagine this kid's guts to do this in back-to-back days.
I came in during the last match, very exciting. I am curious how many Valpo were there. They made a lot of noise. Congrats on their last HL title, perhaps...
Valpo gets Michigan in the first round. Michigan finished second in the BIG. They beat Wisconsin 4-0, a team we lost to 4-3. Still, in tennis you never know. We beat two teams 7-0 that we beat in our tourney 4-3. Should be tough but doable.
Very cool that the tennis team get to play at Stanford. Wonder how surprised the administration was when they found out they would have to transport the team to California! Sure beats playing at Northwestern like last year.
I think the NCAA picks up travel costs. Maybe. ::)
Compared to Michigan how many Valpo fans will be at the NCAA tennis event at Stanford? 25 to 1? More or less?
Quote from: bbtds on May 03, 2017, 03:01:14 PM
Compared to Michigan how many Valpo fans will be at the NCAA tennis event at Stanford? 25 to 1? More or less?
I'd guess 9 to 1 seeing that Michigan has north of 540,000 alumni and we have about 60,000. They are gaining on us at an alarming rate too! :o
There were around 50-60 Valpo fans at the conference championship match. A fantastic atmosphere and the calmest player on the team helped produce the win in a third set tiebreaker. Valpo's top recruit next year (high 4 star from Detroit) also enjoyed the win in person. Valpo will compete head on with Michigan and is confident for a victory. Stanford, however, is a big step up. Match against Michigan will be Friday May 12 at 1:00 CST. Valpo will be in the Summit League for Mens Tennis next year which will include high quality programs in Denver and Drake.
It will be interesting to see what conference our Men's Tennis team plays in going forward. I do hope that they find a home, and maybe someday, there will be enough MVC teams to get the sport started again.
Today's the day! Valpo v. Michigan. Watch it live. Check it out on the Valpo athletics page. 1 Central.
http://streamingtennis.com/Cardinal/?DB_OEM_ID=30600
to save you the effort :)
Valpo goes up 1-0 the match at #1 Doubles
UMich serving for Match the up 5-3 at #2
UMich up 5 at #3, Valpo on serve hoping to extend the match
and UMich wins at #3... so Valpo breaks at #2, to make is 5-4, Crusaders on serve to extend the match.
Blue takes the doubles point...
Valpo wins first set at #3, #4 and #5
Blus wins first set at #1, #2 and #6... Schorsch loses 6-3, down a break in the second set
Blue wins at #2 and #6... to go up 3-0
Bacalla down 5-3 in the third set... Hua serving for the Match.
Schorsch up 5-3 in the third set... can he get the point before Hua gets the 4th point for Blue.
and Hua wins it 3-6, 6-0, 6-3... and Michigan beats Valpo 4-0
Dumb question, but are there individual champions as well?
Quote from: a3uge on May 12, 2017, 03:48:56 PM
Dumb question, but are there individual champions as well?
Not a these events as they are to determine the NCAA team championship. The individual and doubles championships will be coming up at the end of May. Our guys, Jeffrey and Charlie will again be playing for the National Doubles Championships after finishing runner-up in the Indoors. Jeffrey Schorsch, is undoubtedly a first able member of the Valpo Hall of Fame after being named Horizon League Player of the Year, three straight years.
Congrats to him and the rest of the team on a fantastic and record breaking year. :clap: :clap: :clap: :thewave:
Quote from: a3uge on May 12, 2017, 03:48:56 PM
Dumb question, but are there individual champions as well?
It seems like they suspend play as soon as the team match as decided, to boot.
Which is kind of too bad. For example, it seemed (only watching the box score) like Schorsch had a chance at #1 singles. I don't think things were _quite_ as one-sided as a 4-0 final might suggest.
Quote from: agibson on May 14, 2017, 02:19:10 PM
Quote from: a3uge on May 12, 2017, 03:48:56 PM
Dumb question, but are there individual champions as well?
It seems like they suspend play as soon as the team match as decided, to boot.
Which is kind of too bad. For example, it seemed (only watching the box score) like Schorsch had a chance at #1 singles. I don't think things were _quite_ as one-sided as a 4-0 final might suggest.
I agree. Many time matches are not concluded once a team gets to 4.. Probably would have been something like 5-2.. If we had won the double point (lost 7-5 in the second match), it could have been even closer. We went up a set in four of the six singles matches. They all went to three sets as did Jeffrey's.
Schorsch and Emhardt do it again! They beat #9 ranked Texas A & M duo, 7-6, 6-7, 11-9!! Talk about an even match! On to the second round for the 41st ranked doubles team!!!
:thewave:
These two have grit! Lots of it.
Look, if we were ranked 41st in basketball we would be pretty pleased. If that 41st ranked team beat the #9 team were would be drunk! Drink up, it just happened and we aren't done yet!!! ;D
Quote from: vu72 on May 25, 2017, 10:05:47 PMIf that 41st ranked team beat the #9 team were would be drunk!
Are you sure you haven't had a few brews tonight in honor of our record breaking tennis duo? ? ? Sounds like the right thing to do!!!!
Let's all get intoxicated for our great tennis duo this weekend!!!!
WERE WOULD BE DRUNK!!!!! (https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/10ef7f7470df5b4f11fda393b846e0854e3c4447/c=77-0-786-533&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2016/12/12/INGroup/Indianapolis/636171343592915701-Charlie-Emhardt.jpg)
Go get 'em boyz!!!!This one's for you!!(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0c/4b/d8/9e/great-frosted-beer-mug.jpg)
(a place close to VU)
LOL! Actually just a glass of wine but apparently that was sufficient for my fingers to add a couple of letters!
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2016-17/17437/senior-duo-punches-ticket-to-round-2-of-ncaa-doubles-tournament/#.WSgOf2grLIU
So our boys win again, this time not so impressively, as they ONLY beat the 19th ranked team, 6-3, 6-4. Ho Hum, on to the quarter-finals! :cheers:
Time for this....
https://youtu.be/rY0WxgSXdEE
This is SOO COOL !! Bring on Wimbledon!! Roland Garros!!
They have the chance to knock of the #1 team in NCAA! They can join our baseball team, as one of the only sports to do so ;)
Quote from: valpotx on May 26, 2017, 03:45:05 PM
They have the chance to knock of the #1 team in NCAA! They can join our baseball team, as one of the only sports to do so ;)
Were would be really drunk then!
Valpo breaks the incredible serve of Loeb and take a 3-2 lead in the 2nd set. Valpo lost first set 6-3.
EDIT: No mountain involved but Valpo had their serve brokeback. 3-3 in 2nd set.
Emhardt emotionally bucks that Zeilinski serve and Valpo up 6-5 in 2nd set. Oh boy!
Valpo wins the 2nd set 7-5. We are certainly in uncharted territory!
Losing the tie breaker 11-9 is just brutal. What a battle. Our guys should be very proud of their effort, losing in front of a sizable home court crowd for Georgia. I don't think we have heard the last from this pair. What a fabulous career at Valpo!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
I went out and bought some
(http://f1.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/82/47/schorschbrau-schorschbock-16-world-strongest-lager-beer-bavaria-germany-10708247.jpg)
Schorschbock beer
I drink in gratitude to a great team!
Is the Summit League a step-up or a step down from the Horizon League's Men's Tennis Conference play? Or are they about on par with Horizon?
I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing for Men's Tennis? The guys had a hell of a year this year and the senior could be program changing with the outstanding year the Senior's had.
https://twitter.com/ValpoU/status/874342201630830592
https://twitter.com/thesummitleague/status/874340960787943426
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/874343218237853697
Quote from: VU2014 on June 12, 2017, 02:23:58 PM
Is the Summit League a step-up or a step down from the Horizon League's Men's Tennis Conference play? Or are they about on par with Horizon?
I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing for Men's Tennis? The guys had a hell of a year this year and the senior could be program changing with the outstanding year the Senior's had.
https://twitter.com/ValpoU/status/874342201630830592
https://twitter.com/thesummitleague/status/874340960787943426
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/874343218237853697
Not sure. Denver won the conference title last year going 6-0 in conference but only 13-13 overall. The 13 wins included one against Arizona and UNLV.
IMO, the fact that both MS&D and MT are going to the Summit shows clearly that our administration is definitely behind our athletic program. Both these teams will require greater travel budgets. Thanks MLB and MH. 👌🏻
Swimming does not swim a "league schedule", hence no need for trips to Denver - my guess is that the schedule will remain very similar to what it's been in past years.
Assuming that the same or similar teams re-up in 2017-18. We did have a dual with EU last season. Perhaps MVC Teams will do a dual meet thing now that we are in the league, but not really. Damn, I wish we had a better pool.
Quote from: VULB#62 on June 12, 2017, 08:14:48 PM
IMO, the fact that both MS&D and MT are going to the Summit shows clearly that our administration is definitely behind our athletic program. Both these teams will require greater travel budgets. Thanks MLB and MH. 👌🏻
I don't understand the choice of the Summit over the MAC. Having said that tennis probably wins either place and with Western Illinois in the swimming conference perhaps they don't finish last...
http://www.tennisrecruiting.net/teams/map.asp?division=1
Good tennis website...
It's interesting that both Drake and Illinois State have their men's tennis teams in the Summit League. It seems that this men's tennis conference could be called the MVC/Summit League Conference. The schools that have men's tennis in the Summit League and most of the rest of their teams in the SL are Denver, IUPUI, Omaha, Oral Roberts, South Dakota State and Western Illinois. That in reality is now 6 SL teams and 3 MVC teams in the Summit League men's tennis conference. That's only 3 of our former conference mates remaining in the SL men's tennis conference that Valpo played in before.
When Valpo has a tennis match with either Drake or Illinois State can Valpo sneak in the MVC logo?
Of course with Drake they should sneak in the PFL logo too.
Since the Summit also has other MVC tennis teams I wonder if it also helped keep some sort of connection for the teams. They maybe not be in the same schedule but at least some of the teams they're playing are the same. May help the team feel more connected to overall athletic department vs being in a more isolated league.
Quote from: crusader05 on June 14, 2017, 08:10:13 PMSince the Summit also has other MVC tennis teams
Technically the Drake, Illinois State and Valpo men's tennis teams are not MVC tennis teams because there are no men's MVC tennis teams but rather they are Summit League associate member men's tennis teams.
Quote from: vu72 on May 12, 2017, 06:26:29 PM
Quote from: a3uge on May 12, 2017, 03:48:56 PM
Dumb question, but are there individual champions as well?
Not a these events as they are to determine the NCAA team championship. The individual and doubles championships will be coming up at the end of May. Our guys, Jeffrey and Charlie will again be playing for the National Doubles Championships after finishing runner-up in the Indoors. Jeffrey Schorsch, is undoubtedly a first able member of the Valpo Hall of Fame after being named Horizon League Player of the Year, three straight years.
Congrats to him and the rest of the team on a fantastic and record breaking year. :clap: :clap: :clap: :thewave:
Schorsch won a touney last week and today he finished second in the Pearson Ford Open in Indy. The doubles teams have gotten second each week. A great start to their professional careers. Emhardt won a couple of singles matches at each.
Yesterday Schorsch beat Mardy Fish who a couple years ago was a top player.
Quote from: IndyValpo on June 18, 2017, 04:28:01 PM
Quote from: vu72 on May 12, 2017, 06:26:29 PM
Quote from: a3uge on May 12, 2017, 03:48:56 PM
Dumb question, but are there individual champions as well?
Not a these events as they are to determine the NCAA team championship. The individual and doubles championships will be coming up at the end of May. Our guys, Jeffrey and Charlie will again be playing for the National Doubles Championships after finishing runner-up in the Indoors. Jeffrey Schorsch, is undoubtedly a first able member of the Valpo Hall of Fame after being named Horizon League Player of the Year, three straight years.
Congrats to him and the rest of the team on a fantastic and record breaking year. :clap: :clap: :clap: :thewave:
Schorsch won a touney last week and today he finished second in the Pearson Ford Open in Indy. The doubles teams have gotten second each week. A great start to their professional careers. Emhardt won a couple of singles matches at each.
Yesterday Schorsch beat Mardy Fish who a couple years ago was a top player.
Here's a link to an interview with Jeffrey. Couldn't figure out how to just put it up so schroll down a little to find it. Also, the story has a link to their GOFundMe account. Throw Jeffrey and Charlie a little cash!
https://www.collegetennistoday.com/item/1558-catrina-thompson-new-minnesota-coach-pro-circuit-success-jeffrey-schorsch-tops-mardy-fish-in-indy.html
Quote from: IndyValpo on June 12, 2017, 09:33:19 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on June 12, 2017, 08:14:48 PM
IMO, the fact that both MS&D and MT are going to the Summit shows clearly that our administration is definitely behind our athletic program. Both these teams will require greater travel budgets. Thanks MLB and MH. 👌🏻
I don't understand the choice of the Summit over the MAC. Having said that tennis probably wins either place and with Western Illinois in the swimming conference perhaps they don't finish last...
I don't know where the two sit for tennis. It may have been "follow the other MVC schools".
For men's swimming the other MVC schools _are_ in the MAC. But, it sounds like that was considered a bridge too far for our swimming program. At least one person with some ties to the program seemed pleased that it was the Summit, not the MAC, for swimming.
As for tennis proper.
Jeffrey's continued to play in ITP Futures and Challenger type events this summer. He's in Champaign, IL this week and apparently doing very well.
He won through the qualifying (three matches) to make it to the main event, and won his first match by forfeit (happened to draw a player who had an illness). That was a bit of a back-handed way to get his first pro, ATP tour, points. But, then he won his next match! So, he's through to the quarterfinals and probably started playing just a few minutes ago after a rain delayed the day's start.
http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100315152
I guess he'll pick up a ranking when those next update.
In the doubles, instead of playing with Charlie (who was in Champaign for the qualifying bracket, I think), he partnered with former Northwestern player Strong Kirchheimer who had helped knock Jeffrey and Valpo out of the 2016 NCAA tournament.
Here's a video with Jeffrey, on picking up his first pro points
[tweet]887791549681205252[/tweet]
I'm seeing Jeffrey with a 412 national ranking one place (probably that's tied for 412 with a bunch of other people with the same small integer number of tour points).
Jeffrey and Charlie are both playing in Champaign again this weekend, sort of seems like they have a pro tournament every week there this summer.
Charlie picked up a win in qualifying before falling, maybe his first this summer in singles, maybe first ever, at an ITF event?
Jeffrey went straight into the Main Draw as a wild card, and picked up another win! I know almost nothing about tennis, but it looks like it was close. 7-6(7) 1-6 7-6(4). Against the #6 seed in the tournament (of 32 players, eight seeded), no less. A young Argentinian, just 18, but apparently with a bunch of pro experience 26-24 overall, ranked #611 in the world, it seems.
Jeffrey and Charlie are reunited in doubles this week, with a wild card entry like in Winnetka a couple of weeks ago.
6-7(4), 6-3, and into the tiebreaker now. This against the #1 seed (of 4 seeded, 16 pairs in the doubles). Their closest match as pros, together.
The live tweet, as is often the case, is over at
[tweet]889927996626399234[/tweet]
And they win the tiebreaker, 10-8! First pro doubles win, I think? At least first ITF. Rankings for everyone!
[tweet]889931888290410497[/tweet]
Ah, here are the live stats
http://itfprocircuit.tennis-live-scores.com/scoreboard.aspx?na=usa
Schorsch vs. Silverman is just past the 2h mark. 5-7 4-3 with Jeffrey serving.
I think his doubles match immediately follows, on the same court. I wonder how long of a break you get. The schedule can't help things. 88 degrees in Champaign today, with some clouds.
Jeffrey breaks Silverman's serve (if I'm saying that correctly) to win 6-3. So, it's 5-7 6-3. I believe we're now on a toilet break - apparently that's a thing. Looking over the stats, apart from just the score, it looks like the momentum definitely shifted in the second game. Keep it up!
Jeffrey breaks a service, is up 3-1, and 30-0 in that 5th game. And the match is... retired? Apparently that's a thing. Is it likely that Silverman was sick or injured? Or does a player sometimes more or less resign, if that outcome seems inevitable.
[Looks like Silverman resigned to go play doubles. He won his doubles quarterfinal. Not sure if that was mandated by the schedule, or he was just saving energy, or what.]
Either way, Schorsch gets the win. On to the Quarterfinals, for the second week in a row. But, first, doubles with Charlie. Whatever happened in the last of singles, I imagine Jeffrey appreciates whatever energy he can save.
He is up a break in the third. His opponent is ranked 931.
Jeffrey wins.
Greif, seemingly some kind of hot shot junior, lost earlier. So Jeffrey's next singles match is Ezekiel Clark, just 19 himself. Looks like he'll be a sophomore at Illinois next year. Ranked 1279. So, I guess there's some kind of sense in which these matches should continue to get easier. But, I guess that's not how it usually works in single elimination tournaments!
Looks like Clark was playing #5 or #6 for the #25 ranked Illini last year as they won two matches in the NCAA tournament.
For these Futures tournaments (sort of 3rd tier pro tennis?) it apparently takes a couple of weeks for ranking points to get processed. But, as well as Jeffrey's done this week and last, I wonder if it'll start to open some doors for him. Or if that takes a few more tournaments. Looks like it's on to Decatur next week.
Now the third seeded doubles pair retires after losing their first set in a tiebreaker. Is it just the heat? Kirchheimer, who Schorsch played doubles with last week, advances to the doubles semi-finals. Of the 4 seeds, only #2 survives, way over on the other side of the bracket - Jeffrey and Charlie can't see them until the finals.
And now the doubles are underway. So Jeffrey got about 90 minutes off. Can't be easy. Must be nice to be young.
For those that may have been worried about the quality of our recruits going down in a move to The Summit League, check this out:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mtennis/news/2017-18/17484/crusaders-announce-additions-of-kenyatte-carvajal/#.WXkLy4QrKpo
We have something very special with this program.
Quote from: agibson on July 26, 2017, 03:17:57 PMAnd now the doubles are underway. So Jeffrey got about 90 minutes off. Can't be easy. Must be nice to be young.
The Valpo alums got broken once in the first set, losing 3-6. They went down all the way to 0-3 in the second and have clawed back as far as 3-5, getting a break of there own in there. But, it's just about over now. Maybe youth only goes so far.
Still, good tournament for the pair, first pro win! At least first of the type that gets you ranked. And obviously Schorsch is very much alive in the singles.
[tweet]890329174090670080[/tweet]
Learning as I go here. Apparently "no advantage" tennis means that you don't need to win a game by two? It's 40-40, next point wins. And maybe this is now standard for pros? But probably not for NCAA?
Jeffrey's rolling this morning.
Several aces already, and broke the UIUC frosh's serve once already. Up 3-1 in the first set. I did notice a score of "AD-40"; maybe the no-advantage is only for doubles?
Wow. And Jeffrey just won 4 of 5 points while _receiving_ to go up 4-1 (OK - one was a double fault, and the one he lost was an ace). Momentum's probably a finicky thing, but Schorsch seems to be on fire.
Just to keep things interesting, Clark broke Jeffrey to bring it to 4-2, then 4-3. And Jeffrey double faulted twice in the last game (including on set point), but did eventually take the eight point game and the first set, 6-4.
Man, even if the server has a considerable statistical advantage, it can look dicey in a particular game. Jeffrey breaks Clark to start the second set. Then survives a marathon 14 point game (an ace mixed in for good measure), with two break point opportunities for Clark, to go up 2-0.
Live stats at
http://itfprocircuit.tennis-live-scores.com/scoreboard.aspx?na=usa
Quote from: agibson on July 26, 2017, 05:32:50 PMApparently "no advantage" tennis means that you don't need to win a game by two? It's 40-40, next point wins. And maybe this is now standard for pros? But probably not for NCAA?
Correct that it means you don't need to win a game by two. But no-ad scoring is the standard for NCAA now. This was the second year for no-ad scoring in college tennis, meaning when a game reaches
deuce (40-40), the next point wins the game.
Quote from: Brandon on July 27, 2017, 10:07:06 AM
Quote from: agibson on July 26, 2017, 05:32:50 PMApparently "no advantage" tennis means that you don't need to win a game by two? It's 40-40, next point wins. And maybe this is now standard for pros? But probably not for NCAA?
Correct that it means you don't need to win a game by two. But no-ad scoring is the standard for NCAA now. This was the second year for no-ad scoring in college tennis, meaning when a game reaches deuce (40-40), the next point wins the game.
Thanks. Is it doubles only? Jeffrey clearly seems to be playing "traditional/advantage" scoring in singles this morning. Hence the 14 point game just now.
Quote from: agibson on July 27, 2017, 09:37:47 AMMan, even if the server has a considerable statistical advantage, it can look dicey in a particular game. Jeffrey breaks Clark to start the second set. Then survives a marathon 14 point game (an ace mixed in for good measure), with two break point opportunities for Clark, to go up 2-0.
Live stats at
http://itfprocircuit.tennis-live-scores.com/scoreboard.aspx?na=usa
A certain Deiton Baughman knocked out the Italian 5 seed this morning already, and would be Jeffrey's opponent in the semi-finals. Currently world 1046, but was as high as 341 a couple of years ago and is still only 21. It might be a rematch with 4th seed Nevolo (Jeffrey's 1-1 against him in the last month or so) in the final, knock on wood.
First things first, Clark has clawed back into this, breaking Jeffrey to bring it to 2-2. A marathon. Something like 20 points this time, with Clark coming through on his fourth or fifth break point opportunity of the game.
Bit of a roller coaster here this morning (what do I know? maybe tennis is usually like this). Looked like Jeffrey took the back half of a double break point opportunity to go back in control at 4-3. (He'll presumably be the happier so far, in terms of opportunities taken: 4/7 converted against Clark's 3/13). But then Jeffrey gives up what looked like four points in a row to have his own serve broken 50-15. Looks like Clark's headed for 5-4, and the set maybe headed for a tiebreaker.
Jeffrey beats Clark's serve three points in a row for the break, to go up 6-5. Jeffrey's second serve is an ace, but Clark earns a break point opportunity. And converts it (4/15 on the day?). To the set tiebreaker, 6-6. Don't quite remember how this works. One extra-long game, or something. With the serve switching a lot, maybe. Looks like it's first to seven points, need to win by two. With mostly two serves in a row, maybe from a restricted (doubles style?) position. Schorsch up 5-4, currently serving, but I'm not sure if it's his first or second.
And Jeffrey wins the tiebreaker game 9-7, taking the match 6-4 7-6(7).
Looks like this Baughman guy has some experience.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deiton_Baughman
Played a doubles match in the main draw at the US Open in 2015.
Skipped his NCAA eligibility, I guess, but seems to serve as a volunteer assistant at USC.
On to the semi-finals!
Quote from: agibson on July 26, 2017, 01:57:43 PMAh, here are the live stats
http://itfprocircuit.tennis-live-scores.com/scoreboard.aspx?na=usa
Rough going early for Jeffrey. Lost the first set 6-3, now down 2-0 in the second. Maybe Baughman will grow distracted by his doubles Final later today and let our guy back into this.
6-3 6-4 loss, with two broken serves enough for Schorsch's opponent.
Still, looks like a fantastic tournament to me. A trip to the semi-finals! A doubles win! Some cash, and some ATP points. I'll be very curious to see what his ranking does over the next couple of weeks, as these successes are incorporated, and whether that might improve his entry prospects at upcoming tournaments.
I'll admit to being a little curious how they deal with overlapping tournaments. Next up on the local "circuit" is in Decatur. With qualifying starting tomorrow - on-site (down the road in Decatur) registration for that is this afternoon. As I read the cards, Scorsch and Baughman are _both_ likely to want to play qualifying in that tournament. I guess Schorsch still will (unless he gets into the main draw directly... withdrawals from higher ranked players? discretionary wild cards?). Will Baughman get some special treatment (wild card?) or does he have to choose between today's doubles final and tomorrow's singles final, and playing in next week's tournament? I guess he'd choose the finals, but it would seem a shame to miss a week.
So, I'm not sure about Decatur.
It seems that both Charlie and Jeffrey are high enough up the Singles acceptance list, as of Thursday, that they should have gotten into the Qualifying. But neither of them seem to be playing today. Could they have decided to take the week off? Found a tournament with better $$, if no points, opportunities? Or maybe one or both snuck into the main draw, singles or doubles, somehow? Seems unlikely, unless maybe the doubles?
Turns out there was a Wildcard event in Decatur Thursday, awarding a main draw spot to the winner, and qualifying spots to the 2nd and 3rd place players. Charlie _did_ play in that, and won a couple of matches, falling in the quarterfinals to the eventual #3.
From some Champaign reporting on the tournament that's finishing, it seems that finalists _don't_ necessarily get any consideration in overlapping tournaments that are beginning
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/tennis/2017-07-29/vukic-still-standing-tall-jsm-futures.html
Quote
His win on Friday means Vukic will miss out on a USTA Challenger tournament in Lexington, Ky., where he was supposed to play qualifying matches today before his superb run on the courts he's well-acquainted with from his time at Illinois.
But I guess Jeffrey should have finished up in Champaign early enough to get over to Decatur for check-in, if he wanted to.
I guess we'll see who's playing in a few days.
Quote from: agibson on July 29, 2017, 11:06:39 AMSo, I'm not sure about Decatur.
It seems that both Charlie and Jeffrey are high enough up the Singles acceptance list, as of Thursday, that they should have gotten into the Qualifying. But neither of them seem to be playing today. Could they have decided to take the week off? Found a tournament with better $$, if no points, opportunities? Or maybe one or both snuck into the main draw, singles or doubles, somehow? Seems unlikely, unless maybe the doubles?
Looks like J did get a wild card for Decatur, so he should be playing tomorrow, probably against one of the qualifiers. Hopefully soon he'll have the tour points together such that he doesn't need wildcards! (He seems be to ranked 1371 worldwide this week; not quite good enough for a spot in the main draw. Maybe next week, when hopefully they'll fold in his run into the semi-finals. But, I'm not sure what the first tournament would be where those became effective.)
VU sources indicate he was playing a Pro-Am this weekend.
Quote from: agibson on July 29, 2017, 11:06:39 AMBut I guess Jeffrey should have finished up in Champaign early enough to get over to Decatur for check-in, if he wanted to.
I guess we'll see who's playing in a few days.
Should only be an hour or less from Fairview Park in Decatur to the U of I tennis courts in Champaign.
J's up in doubles, a WC into the main draw, partnering Kirchheimer from UIUC again, later today in Decatur. They're playing the #2 seed, which includes Silverman. That's the guy who resigned his singles match with J last week in favor of his doubles match later in the day (after J got out to a big lead). He went on to... at least the finals?... in doubles last week.
Live Stats are again at
http://itfprocircuit.tennis-live-scores.com/scoreboard.aspx?na=usa
Some of the main draw singles is going today, but looks like J won't play singles until tomorrow.
Looks like Charlie is playing Jack Murray at 3 today.
Quote from: vu72 on August 01, 2017, 01:50:35 PM
Looks like Charlie is playing Jack Murray at 3 today.
Even better, he was scheduled to play _with_ Jack Murray! Partnering him in doubles. I hadn't thought to look for his name. He and Murray got a doubles wildcard, same as J and Kirchheimer.
Was the weather bad in central Illinois today? Looks like chaos on the courts. Like a lot of matches (including Charlie's) doubles never started. J and Kirchheimer took the first set 7-5 and then the match got suspended 1-1 in the second. (Maybe J didn't mind the postponement - looks like a wild one. They were up 4 - nothing! And only held on for the win 7-5, getting broken twice along the way.)
A definite downside, J plays singles in the second match of the day, and has to come back to play the rest of his suspended doubles match in the 4th match of the day. Same for his partner, Kirchheimer. And thankfully also both of his opponents. Playing about the same time as Charlie, but hopefully J wins quickly and can watch his teammate finish.
Looks like Charlie's partner Murray has a pedigree. All-American in doubles (same honor J and Charlie earned) after his junior year. Just graduated from UNC, playing #5 singles... on the national runner-up team.
J's opponent tomorrow, Dusty Boyer, is a 2016 Nebraska grad. Three time all-Big Ten. Is ranked a bit higher than J, having most recently picked up three wins... in Zimbabwe. But he's been a pro a year longer than J.
Looking ahead a little bit... J's currently got 3 ranking points posted (based on his first run to the quarterfinals), good for a tie for 1371 in the world.
Next Monday or so, when his run to the semifinal registers, he should have 11 points total. Good for somewhere around #1000 in the world. Maybe that's enough to get him straight into the main draw of some Futures tournaments, but not others? He could use one more run to at least the quarters, or a few more wins scattered across individual tournaments, to start getting some automatic entries.
If I'm understanding all of this correctly.
And J's up and moving in Decatur, taking his first game in four straight points.
Live Stats are again at
http://itfprocircuit.tennis-live-scores.com/scoreboard.aspx?na=usa
A bit of an earlier start, second match of the day, after a retirement in the first game. It looked doubles-motivated again (there was another that likely was), but the player who retired was winning! So, I guess probably an injury.
Singles now for J. Doubles for both Charlie and J, separately, later today.
Chalk so far for J, 2-2 in the first set. But, his opponent may be having trouble with his serve. Only has 7/15 first serves in, and double faulted twice in a row to give J a break point (didn't convert).
Jay takes the first set 6-2 in a business-like 32 minutes or less. Jay took four straight points, winning a break point to go up 4-2, and then broke Boyer's serve again to win 6-2. And then double faulted to start the second set, and eventually surrendering three break points - can't have everything (but J did win the game! Even if it took 14 points). J up 6-2 1-0.
J ends the game winning three points in a row, including the final break point (third of the game). 14 points again in that game. J up 6-2 2-0.
Boyer's making this interesting. Broke J to stay within 2-1, and now again to go up 5-6. J responds, breaking Boyer 6-6 and now to the tiebreaker.
J lost the tiebreaker 7-3. So, 6-2, 6-7(3). Started the last set well, breaking serve to go 1-0. But was broken twice. It's now 3-5, Boyer serving, and it's going to take something a little special for J to pull it out. Not to be. 6-2, 6-7(3), 3-6.
Still the doubles, later on this afternoon.
Kirchheimer just lost a 2h48m three set match to the #3 seed. He and J are going to be tired for the doubles, but hopefully will come out with chips on their shoulders. Only rest time now, before Charlie and J play doubles (on separate courts).
Charlie and Jack Murray were down 2-4, but in what looks like a wild first set, came back to win 7-6(4). And they're up 3-0 in the second. Looks pretty good.
J's not (re-)started his doubles yet.
Somehow the Forum wasn't cooperating with my "modify a post through the day to avoid triggering people's 'New' message every 20 minutes" strategy. So, that trailed off mid-stream there.
Suffice it to say that, in Decatur, Jeffrey got knocked out in the first round of the main draw singles and doubles.
Charlie won a match in the main draw doubles - his second of the year. So, Charlie's doubles ranking should be higher than Jeffrey's, when it updates (I'm not sure when that happens).
Singles rankings are slow to update, but I think I know the schedule. Jeffrey's wins from Champaign, tournament ending July 29, have just shown up in this week's rankings. So, he's up to a respectable 991. I don't know what tournament that would get applied to. This week in Edwardsville it anyway probably wouldn't _quite_ have been enough to get him into the main draw (a 980 might have done it). But, another win or two, and he may be getting direct main draw entries, without needing a wild card.
In Edwardsville Jeffrey and Charlie both played qualifying this week. Charlie won a single match. Jeffrey won two but then lost the decisive match earlier today, 6-3 5-7 1-6.
Haven't seen the doubles draw yet.
Thanks for maintaining these updates. It's not easy given that they are not front line ESPN.COM.
Quote from: agibson on August 07, 2017, 01:30:28 PMHaven't seen the doubles draw yet.
Turns out Charlie and J will each continue playing this week. Charlie partners Alfredo Perez and they got a wild card. Jeffrey partners Aron Hiltzik, and they got a direct entry into the doubles draw, presumably based on Aron's rating.
Aron seems like something of a stud - #8 seed in the main draw singles. Rising senior out of UIUC. First-Team All Big Ten. Ranked as high as #20 singles and #23 doubles (among college players, I assume? and I guess J and Charlie were ranked higher than that, doubles, at some point). Played in the NCAA singles tournament. And, if he's an amateur, maybe J would get to keep both halves of any doubles prize money?
And, OK, I guess this Alfredo Perez guy is pretty good too. Rising Junior at Florida. Cuban native. All-American singles and doubles last season. Finished the season ranked #10 singles. But still looking for his first doubles win in a pro tournament - relatively little "pro" experience so far, but he's still young. Maybe Charlie can help him out with that first doubles win.
Both Charlie and J play tomorrow afternoon.
J lost 6-2 6-4.
But Charlie wins 6-3 7-5, his third week in a row with a win! And with three different partners, no less. This week over an impressive opponent in Silverman. Charlie has to play the top-seeded doubles pair tomorrow.
Somehow the next two weeks of ITF Futures, the main point-awarding events that the Valpo grads have been playing in, are both canceled - they were to be in Boston.
I'm hearing rumors that duo might surface next in Calgary, at the end of the month. It seems to be attracting a higher caliber of player than the IL tournaments of the last few weeks
http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/men's-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100040079
The boys are back in ITF Futures action today in Calgary.
J with his first direct entry into the main draw. His ranking (994th or so) was enough to earn him what might have been the last spot - no wild card or qualifying required.
Charlie won a qualifying match, but lost the crucial second to the 3rd seed of the qualifying tournament.
J plays around noon. By ranking points I suppose he's a modest favorite, but the other guy may be more experienced.
J and Charlie are at it together in doubles, late this afternoon. I've not figured out how doubles rankings worked - even Charlie still somehow seems unranked? But they seem not to have needed a wild card to get into the doubles.
Quote from: agibson on August 28, 2017, 10:22:56 AMJ plays around noon. By ranking points I suppose he's a modest favorite, but the other guy may be more experienced.
Now the bit I had missed is that he's playing a qualifier - somebody who won two matches to win the right to play him. I don't know how much of a factor momentum is in tennis.
But, I guess it does tend to guarantee that his opponent (Tom Fawcett) isn't having an "off week" (doesn't have a bad injury, etc.). He was likely playing close to the top of his game earlier this week. And maybe still today.
Jeffrey lost the first set 6-1 and is currently up 1-2 in the second.
Jeffrey and Charlie are still at it. In Switzerland these last couple of weeks. It looks like the quality of competition is high compared to the US Futures events they've mostly played in. J's ranking hasn't been enough to get him into the Main Draw (he did win a qualifying match, against a teenager) and Charlie's not been in the singles at all.
But, Charlie did sneak into the doubles this week partnering Notre Dame grad Josh Hagar. They made it in as alternates when the #3 seed withdrew. They've won two matches so far, and are through to the semi-finals. I think this means Charlie will _finally_ pick up a doubles ranking. (Main Draw wins aren't good enough, like they are in singles, at least not at Futures events. You've got to get through to the semis.)
It happens they're playing in Bellevue, just outside Geneva, and very close to the French border. It looks like the tennis complex is a couple of blocks from the softball field (at the Marine residence, for the folks who guard the US Mission to the UN) where I spent many a happy Sunday afternoon.