The University of Hawai‘i Warrior tennis team swept Chaminade, 5-0, in the first match of the annual City Intercollegiate Tournament at the UH Tennis Complex this morning. However, the Warriors were unable to hold on to their championship title as they fell to Hawai‘i Pacific, 3-2, in the final match of the day.
The Warriors captured their first victory of the season to the Silverswords after losing consecutive matches to nationally-ranked teams–No. 42 Arizona and No. 2 Stanford.
Over the past five years, UH and Hawai‘i Pacific have been caught in a championship tug-of-war as the tournament title switched hands between the schools. Last year, UH defeated the Sea Warriors, 3-2, to take back the title they previously owned in 1999. UH leads the tournament series, 5-4.
The tournament consisted of a best of 5-point format instead of the usual best of 7. Each team was represented by four singles players and one doubles team. Each match was worth one point.
HPU returned all its players from last season’s Division II runner-up team. The Sea Warriors finished the last two seasons ranked second nationally and has advanced to the Division II tournament over the last six years, capturing three consecutive West Region titles.
Hawai‘i’s Justin Menolascino remains undefeated in singles competition despite playing with an injured left (non-dominate) wrist. The Division II transfer teamed up with Francisco Brignole in doubles play to defeat Chaminade’s Nick Alcover and Michael Reimer, 6-1, 6-3. Menolascino faced off against HPU’s Stefan Pampulov in the championship match, but Pampulov was no match for the newcomer as he defeated him in the No. 4 position, 6-1, 6-3.
Three Warriors were named to the All-City Team for their outstanding performances. Lincoln Leeder and Malino Oda were named to the all-tourney team for the second straight year while Menolascino is a newcomer to the list.
Hawai‘i will get a chance for redemption against HPU later this season when they match up on Jan. 28 at the UH Tennis Complex.
In an earlier match, HPU swept Chaminade 5-0.
The Warriors will have a month and a half break to prepare for its next contest against Middle Tennessee State, Jan. 18 at the UH Tennis Complex.
