Tennis wins Sun Belt Shootout

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee defeated South Alabama 4-1 on Saturday afternoon to win the Third Annual Sun Belt Shootout.

The No. 56 Blue Raiders (12-9) began the match by taking the doubles point. Sophomore John Peers teamed with freshman Matthew Langley to defeat Romain Bocaert and Hanno Bartsch 8-2.

"It was a first class performance today and with a well-deserved result. We started the final one player down against a team that had put together two very strong wins. The odds were against us but the guys have made huge progress in recent matches in dealing with the adversity tennis at this level brings," head coach David McNamara said.

Seniors Robert McKenzie and Morgan Richard teamed up to take an 8-5 win over Leo Dominguez and Dauw Kruger.

Peers then put Middle Tennessee up by two points with his 6-1, 6-1 win over Marek Sramek.

McKenzie defeated Bocaert 6-2, 6-2 putting the Blue Raiders within one point of clinching the match.

"Their ability to stay focused during the tough moments was effectively what won us the match and the title. The guys have proven their ability. If they are prepared to continue to work hard over the next two weeks and do everything necessary to prepare themselves, we will have a fantastic opportunity at the conference tournament," McNamara said.

Sophomore Kyle Wishing fell to Bartsch 6-4, 6-1 in No. 5 singles.

Langley sealed the win for Middle Tennessee with his win over Aaron Krisan 6-4, 6-0.

The Blue Raiders will be back in action on Saturday, April 11 at 9 a.m. when it plays host to Belmont at the Buck Bouldin Tennis Center. Admission to all home tennis matches is free. Middle Tennessee's game with the Bruins will be broadcast locally on MTTV Ch. 10 in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

"Not withstanding the fantastic result from the weekend, this tournament would not be possible without the incredible support of the MTSU tennis community. Once again, 25 families graciously opened their homes to players from around the country - and once again there was nothing but positive reports for the magnificent hospitality offered," McNamra said. "I would like to offer my deepest thanks for those who provided housing and to those others that provided support in so many different ways."

The Blue Raiders would like to thank the following families for their generosity and support during the Sun Belt Shootout.

Butch and Caroline Jones
Marty and Wendy White
Dan and Tammy Garner
Leeman Family
Robert and Susan Adams
Mike and Tabatha Shea
Tera Jackson
Artie Pepelea
Gary and Laurie Edwards
Jimmy and Teresa Hayes
Mark and Cathy Elbaum
Sandra Hale
Jeanie Shaw
Dr. Foote
Zeline Wishing
The Woodfin Family

Singles
1. #104 John Peers (MT) def. Marek Sramek (USA) 6-1, 6-1
2. #94 Robert McKenzie (MT) def. Romain Bocaert (USA) 6-2, 6-2
3. Morgan Richard (MT) vs. Leo Dominguez (USA) 6-1, 4-5, unfinished
4. Matthew Langley (MT) def. Aaron Krisan (USA) 6-4, 6-0
5. Hanno Bartsch (USA) def. Kyle Wishing (MT) 6-4, 6-1

Doubles
1. John Peers/Matthew Langley (MT) def. Romain Bocaert/Hanno Bartsch (USA) 8-2
2. Robert McKenzie/Morgan Richard (MT) def. Leo Dominguez/Dauw Kruger (USA) 8-5

Match Notes:
Middle Tennessee 12-9; National ranking #56
Order of finish: Doubles (1,2); Singles (1,2,5,4)

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