Abilene, Texas—The University of St. Thomas men's tennis team took a long trip home to reflect on their performance at this year's ITA Regional Tournament, hosted by Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX, from September 26 to 29. The ITA tournament is not a team event but allows individual players to test their skills against the best players in the region.
Junior Michael Haranczyck provided the most excitement of the Tournament for his UST fans and teammates. In the Men's Open Singles Flight B, Haranczyck won his opening match (7-5, 6-4) when he defeated Jameson Sorrell of Hardin-Simmons (7-5, 6-4)—in the 2nd Round, Haranczyck fought until the end before dropping a white knuckler to ETBU's Erick Van Zyl (7-6, 6-4).
In the Men's Open Singles, Flight A, the Celts were represented by Pooya Tork and Wilson Salazar. Tough draws proved to be more than either Celt could overcome.
Senior Hunter Kemball Cook and Sawyer White also represented St. Thomas in the Men's Open Singles Flight B. Kemball Cook dropped his first match but beat Michael Woodard of Howard Payne 4-6, 6-3 (10-2T) in the Consolation Draw. Kemball Cook dropped his Consolation Quarterfinal match to end the tournament.
In the Men's Open Doubles, Flight A, Duo Pooya Tork, and Wilson Salazar lost their opening match. However, in Flight B, Kemball Cook and Ruben Reyes succeeded in their first match, winning 8-4 against a team from Hardin-Simmons. Kemball Cook and Reyes kept things exciting in the second Round until they lost an 8-7 heartbreaker.
The ITA Regionals marked the Celts' final competition for the Fall season, which will immediately focus on preparing for the Spring. St. Thomas will open their Spring schedule in February against Letourneau. For UST Men's Tennis updates, go to www.ustcelts.com or follow the team on Instagram at ustceltstennis.
