Nebraska Falls to Auburn in ITA Kickoff Tournament

The Nebraska men's tennis team closed its opening road trip of the spring season with a 4-0 loss to Auburn at the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Saturday. 

With Tomislav Antoljak out with a sickness, the lineup for the Huskers chaged a bit for the match. In doubles, Toby Boyer and Jon Meyer played in the No. 3 spot against Brandon Laubser and Carles Sarrio. They won the match, 6-2. David Samardzija and Dylan Bednarczyk fought in the No. 1 spot to fall 6-4 to Max Hinnisdaels and Conner Huertas. The third match ended in favor of Auburn with Micah Klousia and Chris Dean falling 6-3 to Edward Nguyen and Dante Saleh.

In singles play, the Huskers put up a fight against Auburn but fell short with three unfinished games. Rok Krizaj finished his match first against Olle Thestrup, where he fell 6-1, 6-4. in the No. 3 spot. Conner Huertas defeated Chris Dean 6-4, 6-2. Micah Klousia battled against Edward Nguyen in a close match, where the battle lasted three sets before ending in favor of Auburn, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1. With four points favored to Auburn, Nebraska was unable to finish the last three matches.

Coach Kerry McDermott talked about the progress he saw over the weekend.   

"We had to rearrange our doubles a little and won at No. 3 with Toby Boyer and Jon Meyer, but couldn't get another win at either No. 1 or No. 2 doubles," McDermott said. "Again we competed well after moving everyone up the lineup with Tomi being out and won the first sets at  No. 1, No. 2, and No. 5 singles which allowed us to have some opportunities to win the match."

"I think the good aspect of our match play this week is that our guys are getting a good feel as to committing to their own singles style and believing more and more in themselves."