SBU GAINS SEVERAL VICTORIES ON FIRST DAY OF ITA REGIONALS

September 24, 2004

Dante Cipulli

MARYVILLE, MO. ... The Southwest Baptist University men's tennis team started the 2004-05 season off well in the first day of competition at the ITA Regional Tournament. Dante Cipulli, Johan Nortje, and Peter Joos all advanced to the round of 16.

Cipulli opened up with a bye and then defeated Nick Stublendorf (Truman), 6-0, 6-1. Last year, Cipulli finished as the national runner-up and then was the #2 ranked player in NCAA Division II in the spring.

Nortje came away with two victories by defeating Cory Ciciccone (Nebraska-Kearny), 7-6, 6-4, and then beat James Schmacher (Metro State) 6-45, 6-3.

Joos also won both of his matches with wins over Adam Fowler (Metro State), 6-2, 6-0, and Brad Johnson (Washburn) 6-1, 6-2.

Brian Harrelson lost to Clint Keith (NWMSU), 5-7, 6-0, 6-0.

In doubles action, Cipulli/Nortje had a first round bye and then defeated Edwards/McKinney (Washburn), 8-0. Joos/Harrelson fell to Kinder/Johnston, 8-6.

The round of 16 will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 25.