CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Ken Skupski’s two wins in the main draw highlighted the day for the Tigers in the ITA Championships.
In his first match, he defeated Greg Shearer of Fresno State, 6-2, 6-3, to move to the round of 32. Skupski then defeated Chris Brandi of Florida in three sets to advance to the round of 16. He won the first set by a score of 6-4, lost the second, 5-7, and then recovered to take the third set by a 6-3 margin.
Also in the singles competition for LSU was Jason Hazely, who lost his match to Marty Steigwardt of Florida, moving him to the consolation bracket. In the first game in the consolation bracket, Hazley picked up the biggest win of his career, defeating the 12th-ranked player in the nation, Sven Swinnen of Oregon, in two sets, 6-1, 7-5. That is the highest-ranking player he has defeated in his career.
LSU’s two doubles teams were not as lucky in their outings today. Hazley and partner Mark Growcott were defeated by Florida State’s 10th-ranked Jeff Groslimond and Chris Westerhof, 8-5. Danny Bryan and Colt Gaston were also defeated by a score of 9-8(2) by Ball State’s Matt Baccarani and Patrick Thompson.
Coach Brown said LSU’s recent luck in doubles play had finally come to an end.
“We have been winning a lot of close doubles matches,” he said, “and sometimes that will come back to haunt you. And that’s what happened to us today.”
Skupski, ranked at No. 18 in the nation, continues his quest for the championship tomorrow against No. 51 Shannon Buck of Air Force. Hazley will face No. 26 Jeff Kader of William & Mary to move up in the consolation bracket. The two doubles teams will also begin play in the consolation bracket tomorrow.
ITA CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
Singles
Main draw — Round of 64
Ken Skupski (LSU) def. Greg Shearer (Fresno St.), 6-2, 6-3
Marty Steigwardt (UF) def. Jason Hazley (LSU), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
Round of 32
Ken Skupski (LSU) def. Chris Brandi (UF), 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
Consolation
Round one
Jason Hazley (LSU) def. Sven Swinnen (Ore), 6-1, 7-5
Doubles
Main draw
Groslimond/Westerhof (FSU) def. Growcott/Hazley (LSU), 8-5
Baccarani/Thompson (Ball St.) def. Bryan/Gaston (LSU), 9-8(2)