Jan. 16, 2011

Results | Photo Gallery

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Lions opened up their competitive spring season this morning against the University of Nevada Reno. With a young team, the Lions proved that their energy, will to win, and hard work could earn them a victory for the books. The Lions defeated the University of Nevada Reno wolf pack 6-1, coming back as a dominating force in singles after dropping a close doubles concession. The Lions saw wins from freshmen and newcomers across the board in singles giving them a positive early momentum to the season.

In doubles, the Lions took the early lead with a swift blow from court three from Daniel Simko and Tyler Gottshall. On the third court freshman duo Daniel Simko and Tyler Gottshall crushed Reix/Walker of Nevada Reno 8-0 for their win of the freshman career and the Lion's first win of the season. However, even with this early win, the Lions dropped the doubles point in a close battle on courts one and two. On court two, newcomer duo Nicholas Bjerke and Tom Price were unable to hold off Ousward/Kuarzky, after an early lead they dropped the last two sets to concede 8-6. The doubles point then came down to court one. After coming from behind to tie it at 6-6 with a couple key at net plays and ace serves by Sebastian Bustamante and Alex Wilton, the Lions were unable to clinch the win dropping the final two sets 8-6.

In singles, the Lions came back with resounding force to win all their singles competitions. On court five, Tom Price delivered a quick blow to Walker of Nevada Reno, shutting him out 6-0, 6-0 in two sets. Teammate, freshman Daniel Simko earned his second win of the day and gave the Lions their second point going 6-3, 7-3 over Reix on court six. Newcomer Nicholas Bjerke earned a solid win over Ouvard on court three 6-1, 6-4 with strong play from the back court, while Sebastian Bustamante also earned a win with a couple key at the net plays to go 6-3, 6-4 over Kuharzsky. On court four, freshman Alex Wilton went to three sets to earn a win going 11-9 in the third to win his first singles match of his collegiate career. On court one, senior Aris Andreasian battled in a long two set rivalry winning the first set in a close 7-6 and then clinching the win with his strong serving in the second set 7-6. Andresian's win also gave the Lion's wins in all their singles matches.

Doubles:
Derbel/Mege (Nevada-Reno) vs. Bustamante/Wilton (LMU) 8-6
Ousrard/Kuarzky (Nevada-Reno) vs. Bjerke/Price (LMU) 8-6
Simko/Gottshall (LMU) vs. Reix/Walker (Nevada-Reno) 8-0

Singles:
Andresian (LMU) v. Derbel (Nevada Reno) 7-6, 7-6
Bustamante (LMU) v. Kuharszky (Nevada Reno) 6-3, 6-4
Bjerke (LMU) v. Ouvrard (Nevada Reno) 6-1, 6-4
Wilton (LMU) v. Mege (Nevada Reno) 6-7, 6-2, 11-9
Price (LMU) v. Walker (Nevada Reno) 6-0, 6-0
Simko (LMU) v. Reix (Nevada Reno) 6-3, 7-3

- GO LIONS -