Men’s tennis collects first win of season

Alexander Raa won his singles and doubles matches Saturday. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The men’s tennis team (1-4) captured its first win of the season Saturday. The Flames were undefeated in singles play, losing only one match in doubles to dominate Western Illinois, 7-0.

“We are progressing each week and were excited to see such a supportive crowd at the match,” head coach Hans Neufeld said.

UIC was undefeated throughout singles as Alexander Raa started the night by downing Christoph Haertel in the number one spot, 6-5, 6-4.

Alan Reifer was in No. 2 for the Flames and held strong against Mitch Granger winning in two straight, 6-5, 6-4.

In the No. 3 position, Carl Hedstrom dominated Max Cederkall, 6-2, 6-2. Isaac Lloveras kept the momentum going at No. 4, beating Brandon Meeker in two straight, 6-2, 6-0.

Eric Pontow took No. 5, stopping Chris Bunch, 6-3, 6-1.

Finishing out singles play strong for the Flames, Christopher Cole defeated Brett Furmanski, 6-3, 6-1.

In doubles play, Pontow and Lloveras teamed up in the No. 1 position, but the duo fell against Haertel and Granger, 6-5.

Reifer and Hedstrom dominated at No. 2 when they stopped Cederkall and Meeker, 6-5. Raa paired with Nate Campanile to face Bunch and Furmanski in the No. 3  position, closing out doubles strong with a 6-0 win.

The Flames return to competition Feb. 22 when the team faces Chicago at the Henry Crown Field House.