Feb. 19, 2011

Stockton, Calif. -

The Tigers reigned supreme against #66 University of San Francisco Dons 6-1 in the home opener. While the doubles got off to a slow start, the pace of the match began to pick up as soon as each 8 game pro set got underway.  The players all displayed a thoughtful face as they contemplated their next move with their partners.  The signals and quick motions would pass from person to person as they choreographed each play they were planning to execute.  Each calculated step resulted in the Tigers advancing to their victory.  After the doubles had concluded with a big win from duo Fernando Ristow and Angus Thomson in number one doubles, the Tigers prepared for their singles matches.

The singles matches were heated from the beginning.  Each of the players radiated intensity but moved about the court with great composure determined not to be phased by the amount of pressure that #66 USF was applying.  The Tigers remembered the fundamentals and they played tough as well as with a winning strategy.  Coach Redondo kept a watchful eye on each match and only had to provide a few encouraging words and a couple suggestions.  The Tigers played with the tools that they had learned at practice and from one another.  After the match had concluded with a three set victory from freshman Angus Thomson the Tigers celebrated their 6-1 victory against the San Francisco Dons.

Today's match was an especially good day for senior Fernando Ristow who felt confident with his strategy and his presence on the court.  When asked about today's match, Fernando said, "I felt calm, I watched my breath and I was utilizing my forehand and backhand to make sure that I was keeping an even pace and searching for the short ball.  In my doubles match, Angus and I had to adjust because it was our first time playing together.  After we won a crucial point, the pieces just began to fall into place and our motions on the court complemented each other's strengths.  Overall in the match, I employed a great deal of discipline and it worked in my favor."

The Tigers will now prepare for their match against Saint Mary's that is scheduled to take place Sunday February 20th in Moraga, California against Saint Mary's College.

Today's Results:

University of the Pacific Tigers - 6, University of San Francisco Dons - 1

Doubles:

1. Fernando Ristow / Angus Thomson (PAC) def. William Schumacher / Germain Bahri (USF) 8-6

2. Mark DeCastro / Richard Bucalem (USF) def. Artem Gramma / Ivan Castro (PAC) 8-4

3. Jacob Hartwig / Ola Bakke (USF) def. Alex Golding / Tomasz Krzyszkowski 8-1

Order of Finish : 3, 1, 2*

Singles

1. Ivan Castro (PAC) def. Ola Bakke (USF) 7-6 (4), 6-2

2. Tomasz Krzyszkowski (PAC) def. William Schumacher (USF) 6-4, 6-4

3. Artem Gramma (PAC) def. Richard Bucalem (USF) 6-2, 6-0

4. Fernando Ristow (PAC) def. Jacob Hartwig (USF) 6-2, 6-2

5. Alex Golding (PAC) def. Zach Jiganti (USF) 6-0, 6-2

6. Angus Thomson (PAC) def. Germain Bahri (USF) 6-4, 3-6, 11-9 

Order of Finish: 4, 3, 2, 1, 5, 6**

* Denotes Doubles match point *

* Denotes Match Securing Point