Gonzaga University
ITA Northwest Regionals Day 2
Two Zags Reach Round of 32 at Regionals
10/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
SEATTLE, Wash.-The ITA Northwest Regionals continued for Gonzaga University's men's tennis team Friday as two players advanced in tournament's singles bracket during matches in Seattle's Nordstrom Tennis Center and Kirkland's Eastside Tennis Center.
In singles, both Jordan Smith and Hayden Smith advanced with three-set victories. Jordan faced the highly-seeded Miguel Diaz of Pacific - who received a first round bye - during Friday's Round of 64 matchup. Smith took the early advantage with a 6-3 win in the first set, but Diaz countered with a 1-6 victory in the second. The Sydney native bounced back to win the final set 6-3 to reach the next round.
Hayden, meanwhile, dropped his first set by a 1-6 score to UC Davis' James Wade. The Breakfast Point, Australia, native rebounded for a 6-3 second set win to force a deciding third set, which he won by two games at 6-4. Both are now 4-1 in singles play on the year.
Junior Ronzai Saurombe also faced a seeded player Friday, taking on second-seeded Mitch Stewart of Washington. Saurombe fell out of the main bracket with a 6-1, 6-1 loss to the UW player.
"I was very proud of the fight that both Jordan and Hayden displayed today" said Gonzaga men's tennis assistant coach Derek Siddiqui. "Although there were some hiccups during the matches, it was great to see both of them battle and push each other through tough conditions against tough opponents."
In doubles play, the Smiths faced James Wade and Alec Adamson of UC Davis with the Aggie duo prevailing 8-3. It's the first doubles loss of the year for Hayden and Jordan; they entered the match with a 4-0 record.
Gonzaga will continue play at the ITA Northwest Regionals on Saturday, Oct. 24. Main bracket singles play will begin at 9:00 a.m., and consolation bracket play will begin on Saturday as well.
Singles - Round of 64
Hayden Smith (Gonzaga) def. James Wade (UC Davis) 1-6, 6-3, 6-4
Jordan Smith (Gonzaga) def. Miguel Diaz (Pacific) 6-3, 1-6, 6-3
Mitch Stewart (Washington) def. Ronzai Saurombe (Gonzaga) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles - Round of 32
Wade/Adamson (UC Davis) def. Smith/Smith (Gonzaga) 8-3
