IRVINE, Calif. — The LSU men’s tennis team had two of its five players competing advance at the Racquet Club of Irvine Meyer Pharmaceutical Pro Futures on Saturday.
Juniors Martel Campbell and Colt Gaston both notched victories and will advance in the tournament.
“Martel has continued to impress us with his play,” LSU head coach Jeff Brown said. “Martel has won five straight matches and is on top of his game. Colt has shown good form throughout this event and I expect him to continue to do well tomorrow.”
Campbell easily defeated Darren Cohen, 6-1, 6-3, and will battle Boris Bakalov to try and advance to the main draw.
Colt Gaston faced fellow Tiger Danny Bryan in his match. Gaston took the first set, 6-4, but dropped the second set by a 1-6 count. However, Gaston regained his first-set form and captured the third set, 6-3. The Georgia native will face off against Florian Lemke to try and reach the main draw.
Newcomer Jan Zelezny split the first two sets of his match against Wesley Miller. In the third set, Zelezny fought hard but could not come out on top as Miller won the third set, 7-5.
Sophomore James Cluskey struggled in his match as he fell to Tyler Hochwalt, 6-4, 6-4.
“James and Jan played well but faced some stiff competition,” Brown commented. “Our guys got some good experience from a mixture of competition and I hope our two remaining players continue to play at a high level.”
Play will resume at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
Racquet Club of Irvine Meyer Pharmaceutical Qualifying Round of 64 Results
Saturday, Sept. 23
Martel Campbell (LSU) def. Darren Cohen (USA), 6-1, 6-3
Tyler Hochwalt (USA) def. Jan Zelezny (LSU), 6-3, 5-7, 7-5
Wesley Miller (USA) def. James Cluskey (LSU), 6-4,6-4
Colt Gaston (LSU) def. Danny Bryan (LSU), 6-4,1-6,6-3
Qualifying Round of 32 Schedule
Sunday Sept. 24
Martel Campbell (LSU) vs. Boris Bakalov (BUL)
Colt Gaston (LSU) vs. Florian Lemke (GER)