September 28, 2009 |
Kansas City, MO-The men's and women's tennis teams were in Kansas City, Missouri at the ITA Regional Tourney this weekend. The men's side saw all three of its doubles teams in the semifinals as well as an all-GU finals in the singles set. Not to be ignored, the women were well represented in the singles quarterfinals and sent a doubles team into the finals.
Junior Remy Caffardo (Romans, France) and sophomore Matthew Waite (Des Peres, MO) were the last two standing for the men's singles crown on Sunday, after Graceland men represented three of the four players for the semifinal matches. Caffardo defeated Waite in two, earning himself his third NAIA/ITA singles regional title in as many years.
Not quite done, Caffardo and Daniel Ramirez (Leon, MX) also faced Jeremy Ackerer (France) and Manuel Lindekeit (Berlin, Germany) in the doubles finals, where the Frenchman earned his third doubles championship with new partner Ramirez. The twin victories bode well for Caffardo, who was a finalist at the NAIA/ITA National Tourney last season.
Three of the Graceland women made the singles quarterfinals, sending one into the semis. Carolina Verdezoto (Ecuador) advanced into the semifinals for Graceland but was defeated by a member of the William Jewell squad. Verdesoto and Valeria Avina (Durango, MX) were also engaged in the doubles finals, where they were defeated by their opposite numbers from William Jewell.
"I am very pleased that we are advancing this much this fast," said Coach Jerry Hampton. "We graduated four last year, and we are playing very well especially considering that fact."
Check back for full results and summary following the end of the tournament. Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of the men's and women's tennis teams and all of Jacket athletics.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director (641) 784-5318 mshelton@graceland.edu
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