LAS VEGAS - The Hawai`i men's tennis team continued its struggles against ranked opponents this season, falling to No. 72 UNLV, 5-2, Sunday, at the Fertitta Tennis Complex. The loss was the Rainbow Warriors' (2-7) sixth against ranked opponents this season.
UH managed to win a pair of singles contests, however, it came after the match was already decided. Junior Ryan Sceats captured his eighth singles victory this season with a 2-6, 6-3, (10-8) triumph over Romain Massaro at the No. 3 court. Sceats also improved his dual match record to a team-leading 5-1 mark.
Sophomore Derrick Lajola pulled out a hard-fought 7-6, 6-4 victory over Sean Hubbard at No. 6. The Rebels won the other four singles matches all in straight sets, including at the top spot where No. 38 Henner Nehles defeated Dalibor Ptak, 6-1, 6-3.
UNLV started the day by winning all three doubles matches for the early 1-0 team lead.
The Rainbow Warriors conclude their three-match road trip at UC Riverside on Monday. First serve is set for 2:00 p.m. PST at the Student Recreation Center courts.
Match Results
UNLV def. Hawai`i, 5-2
Singles (each match is worth one team point)
1. Henner Nehles (UNLV) def. Dalibor Ptak, 6-1, 6-3
2. Joel Kielbowicz (UNLV) def. Bryon Weinberg, 6-0, 6-1
3. Ryan Sceats def. Romain Massaro (UNLV), 2-6, 6-3, (10-8)
4. Jonathan Hooper (UNLV) def. Jarrod Diepraam, 6-3, 7-5
5. David Campbell (UNLV) def. Chad Faulk, 6-4, 7-5
6. Derrick Lajola def. Sean Hubbard (UNLV) 7-6, 6-4
Doubles (must win 2 of 3 for one team point)
1. Nehles/Hubbard (UNLV) def. Ptak/Sceats, 8-3
2. Kielbowicz/Campbell (UNLV) def. Diepraam/Lajola, 8-4
3. Hooper/Martin Redelinghuys (UNLV) def. Weinberg/Faulk, 9-8 (3)
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