TULSA, Okla. — LSU men’s tennis players Ken Skupski and Mark Growcott defended their No. 1 national doubles ranking, advancing to round two of the ITA All-American Championships.
The duo defeated Eric Molnar and Chad Tsuda of Colorado, 8-5, and will face Colin Purcell and Strahinja Bobusic of Georgia Friday.
Skupski and Growcott were knocked out of the singles winners bracket on Thursday. Skupski was beaten by Arizona’s Roger Montalonga in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0. Growcott played well against Arnaud Lecloerec the nation’s No. 7 ranked singles player, but was downed in three sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-4.
“Ken got off to a rough start and his opponent took advantage,” said LSU associate head coach Mark Booras. “Mark played really well this morning, but Lecloerec was a strong player and was able to edge him out.”
Skupski rebounded to win in the first round of consolation bracket play, defeating Florida’s Vlad Obradovic, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (7). Growcott dropped his afternoon match to Sam Chang, of Florida State, 6-4, 7-6 (8).
“Ken was able to rebound against seasoned collegiate player, who is ranked No. 40 in the nation,” Booras said of Skupski’s win over Obradovic.
Skupski will advance to round two of consolation play, where he is scheduled to face, Josh Cohen, of Miami.
Tigers Danny Bryan and Colt Gaston also played well despite dropping their match, 8-6, to the No. 2 ranked doubles team of Scott Green and Ross Wilson. The loss snapped a 15 match winning steak for Bryan and Gaston, who rank No. 27 in doubles nationally.
“Colt and Danny played well and got up a break early,” said Booras. “The competition was tough and was able to exploit some flaws.”
Bryan and Gaston will have a chance to get back on track, Friday, in the first round of doubles consolation play. Their opponents have not yet been announced.