Senior Shines in Local Tournament

As the Nebraska men’s tennis team gears up for the start of the singles portion of the season, senior James Clow is already proving himself as a force to be reckoned with.

 

Over the course of three days and four matches earlier this week, Clow battled his way to a championship title at the third annual Lincoln Cup.  After defeating Shungu Mberengwa in two sets (6-3, 6-3), Clow advanced to the second round where he went on to beat Nebraska teammate, sophomore Hendrik Stahmer, again in only two sets (6-2, 6-3).  Clow’s third victory against former Nebraska player, Fungai Tongoona, (6-1, 6-2) placed him in the championship match against Jesse Plote, coach at University of Nebraska at Kearney and a former Creighton player.

 

Clow’s determination helped him rally in both sets as he came from behind to win 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-1).

 

“He refuses to lose,” assistant coach Rick Stempson told the Omaha World-Herald.  “He has so much pride, and he’s one of these guys who probably doesn’t have the most talent, but you always know you can count on him to come through in the end because he has a huge heart.”

 

Carrying him into the first week of practice is the confidence that Clow has gained from his success in the tournament. 

 

“The best way to get ready for the season is to play matches,” Clow said to the Lincoln Journal Star.  “Getting four wins under my belt gives me a lot of confidence.  I’m playing well right now.”

 

Along with Clow and Stahmer, six other Nebraska men’s tennis players participated in the tournament?Sean Coetzee, Karl Jones, Renato Melo, Arturo Navarro, Mark Tate, Brett Tessmer?in addition to Stempson.

 

The Huskers are set to begin singles competition Sept. 30 at the ITA All-American Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.