This Sunday the 'Hawks welcomed two tough regionally ranked teams in Coe and Elmhurst. Coe was up first and the schedule and to say it was a big match was an understatement. Last year Coe took down the 'Hawks in a tough 4-5 decision and this year they came to Whitewater undefeated 29-0.
In doubles the 'Hawks captured early breaks at 2 and 3 doubles, but their opponents kept fighting back. 1 doubles was a back and forth affair from the beginning. Coe broke the first game and held, but Shklyar/Osborne found their composure to hold and break back as well. Both teams then went on a streak and trading breaks and holds, and neither team could capture momentum. As 2 and 3 doubles moved on the teams of McGlashen/Bayliss and Humphreys/Balkin captured wins to put the 'Hawks up 2-0. All eyes turned then to 1 doubles to see if the 'Hawks could leave doubles with the 3-0 or 2-1 lead heading into singles. At 6-6 the 'Hawks held, and then using some solid and consistent returns at 7-6 Shklyar/Osborne got the break to win the match 8-6 and give the 'Hawks the 3-0 lead heading into singles. The 'Hawks knew hte match was far from over though. Coe is a tough team, and they never stop fighting. In singles the 'Hawks captured the first set at every court, but court 1 where Shklyar fell 6-7 in the first set. Andrew Bayliss was the first 'Hawk to take his singles match at 5 singles 6-0, 6-1 to give the 'Hawks the 4-0 lead. Shortly after Mitch Osborne captured his second set at 6 singles to clinch the team victory for the 'Hawks. Byron Balkin then added another straight set victory as well at 2 singles to make it a 6-0 'Hawk lead. On the three remaining courts 1, 3, and 4 singles things weren't looking good. Shklyar had gone down an early break in the second while Andy and Jake at 3 and 4 singles dropped their second sets to force their matches into a third set breaker. Andy was bale to regroup and capture his tiebreaker while Jake was not so lucky. Shklyar wasn't able to mount a comeback either at 1 singles and fell 6-7, 2-6. After all was said and done the 'Hawks walked away from this match with a 7-2 win.
After the good win over Coe in the morning the 'Hawks turned their attention to recognizing the Seniors, Andrew Bayliss, Andy McGlashen, and Mitch Osborne, for the hard work they've put in over the last 3 years (They all were transfers). It was great to listen to the amazing things these guys have accomplished over the last few years, and how they have raised the bar for our program.
After acknowledging everything our great Seniors have done for us the 'Hawks turned their attention to their final match of the regular season against Elmhurst. In doubles 1 and 2 doubles took hold of their matches early and never looked back grabbing two quick wins. 3 doubles was a different story. Balkin/Humphreys jumped out to an early break, but their opponents used good play and great shot making ability to get the break back, and grab another. The 'Hawks found themselves down a break 5-6. The 'Hawks broke back and both team held to bring the match to 7-7. That's when Balkin/Humphreys made their move holding their serve, and then using strong returns and active play up at the net to capture the break and the match 9-7. With the 3-0 lead the 'Hawks looked to close out the Jays of Elmhurst College quickly. Byron Balkin was the first off the court at 2 doubles after his opponent defaulted being down 0-3. McGlashen, Osborne, and Klein added in strong straight set victroies at 3, 5, and 6 singles to give the 'Hawks the 7-0 lead. At 1 singles Shklyar was battling through nausea and light headedness, and it was clear he just wasn't on and eventually he fell in straight sets. Andrew Bayliss was the last one on the court, and he had to use some strong play to beat a tough lefty in straight sets. Capping off the 8-1 win for the 'Hawks.
To see complete scores from the Coe and Elmhurst matches click here
With the regular season over the 'Hawks will now wait to hear if they will qualify for the NCAA Tournament. If the 'Hawks can earn a berth it will be the 7th consecutive NCAA berth for the men. Overall, it has been a long season with many ups and downs. I know the guys will continue to put in a lot of work so they are ready to play their best when the post season comes around.
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