GAC Communications
Eric Moyer, Associate Commissioner for Communications
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Top-seeded Oklahoma Baptist made its first trip to the Great American Conference Men’s Tennis Championship a successful one as the Bison rallied past Ouachita, 5-3 on Saturday.
The Bison (18-5) fell behind 2-1 after doubles play, but drew even after GAC Player of the Year Kevin Andrusch earneed 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 1 singles. The lead grew to 4-2 as with Thomas Ackerknecht victory at No. 6 and Luis Romero’s triumph at No. 3.
Ouachita (6-14) pulled within 4-3 as Dan Kaplun claimed the Tigers’ lone singles win, 6-3, 6-3, at No. 4. However, Gianluca Galdi closed the door and provided the point for Oklahoma Baptist’s first GAC postseason title with a 6-4, 6-3 win at No. 5.
Oklahoma Baptist will continue its campaign as with a trip to the National Christian College Athletic Association Championships. The Bison, who gain eligiblity for NCAA tournaments next season, enter the NCCAA event as that organization’s second-ranked squad.
GAC Men’s Tennis Championship
April 22, 2017 (finals)
Oklahoma Baptist 5, Ouachita 3
Singles:
No. 1 Kevin Andrusch (OKB) d. Lennart Lonneman (OUA) 6-1, 6-1
No. 2 Lucas Castelo Branco (OKB) vs. Luis Chab (OUA), did not finish
N0. 3 Luis Romero (OKB) d. Juan Moncada (OUA) 6-2, 6-2
No. 4 Dan Kaplun (OUA) d. Matias Le Fort (OKB) 6-3, 6-3
No. 5 Gianluca Galdi (OKB) d. Nair Adi (OUA) 6-4, 6-3
No. 6 Thomas Ackerknecht (OKB) d. Andre Stefano (OUA) 6-1, 6-2
Doubles:
No. 1 Chab/Moncada (OUA) d. Andrusch/Galdi (OKB) 8-6
No. 2 Ackerknecht/Romero (OKB) d. Lonnemann/Kaplun (OUA) 8-5
No. 3 Stefano/Montgomery (OUA) d. Le Fort/Castelo Branco (OKB) 8-4
Order of finish: Doubles 3-2-1, Singles 1-6-3-4-5