TULSA, Okla. — Senior James Cluskey of the LSU men’s tennis team notched a win Tuesday morning as he defeated New Mexico State’s Eddie Salas at Cascia Hall in the consolation round of the D’Novo All-American.
Cluskey pulled ahead after a close first set during which he posted a 7-6 (4) mark. The Dublin, Ireland native next swept Salas 6-2 to take a straight-set victory.
“James served well and that carried him through the match today,” said head coach Jeff Brown.
Also competing Tuesday in the qualifying doubles was the Tiger tandem of Sebastian Carlsson and Neal Skupski. The new duo took on Fresno State’s Rudolph Siwy and Mirko Zapletal for their first match. Siwy and Zapletal, the No. 16 seed, knocked off the two Tigers only by narrow margin, 9-7.
The Tigers will next have a chance to make their mark in the singles and doubles main draw portion of the event. The No. 5 duo of James Cluskey and Michael Venus will compete in doubles and No. 20 Venus will enter the singles main draw.
The main draw of the tournament will begin Thursday at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center.
D’Novo All American
Tulsa, Okla.
Oct. 7, 2008
Qualifying Consolation Singles
James Cluskey (LSU) def. Eddie Salas (New Mexico State), 7-6 (4), 6-2
Qualifying Doubles
Round of 64
Rudolph Siwy/Mirko Zapletal (Fresno State) def. Sebastian Carlsson/Neal Skupski (LSU), 9-7