TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The ITA Regional Tournament kicked off Thursday with two victories for the Tigers from Simon Freund and No. 91 Justin Butsch.
Freund had a solid victory over UAB’s Kenton Parton 6-1, 6-3 as well as Butsch coming back from a 3-6 loss in the first set against Vaughn Hunter of Mississippi State to secure the match with two consecutive wins, 7-6(5), 6-4.
“It was a good win for today for Justin and Simon,” Head Coach Jeff Brown said. “Tomorrow we are looking forward to some more doubles and looking to make some improvements from today.”
Friday, Butsch will continue in singles play against USM’s Mikhail Esipov as well as competing in doubles with partner Tam Trinh against Andy Lau and Francisco Yim Kim of Troy.
Simon Freund will be facing Alex Van Cott of Tulane in singles. Cameron Andry, Gabor Csonka and Tam Trinh will also be participating in the consolation singles bracket.
For up-to-date information and behind-the-scenes access on the Tigers, fans can follow the LSU men’s tennis team on Twitter and Instagram at @lsutennis and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lsutennis.
Doubles – First Round
Moreno/Samaha (TROY) def. Csonka/Freund (LSU) 8-4
Singles – First Round
Mikhail Esipov (USM) def. Cameron Andry (LSU) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
Singles – Second Round
Simon Freund (LSU) def. Kenton Parton (UAB) 6-1, 6-3
Justin Butsch (LSU) def. Vaughn Hunter (MSU) 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4
Tyler Schick (TUL) def. Tam Trinh (LSU) 6-2, 6-1
Constantin Schmitz (TUL) def. Gabor Csonka (LSU) 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-1