April 15, 2000
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue men's tennis team pulled off a 4-3 victory over Penn State Saturday on the Varsity Tennis Courts. With the win, Purdue improves to 10-8 (6-2 Big Ten). Boilermaker head coach Tim Madden was reminded of a similar match against Michigan State, but was pleased the outcome was different.
"This match was exactly what happened at Michigan State, but we lost that day," Madden said. "We have problems getting refocused in tough matches. We've had a great year with intensity and focus in doubles action. In singles, we don't overcome adversity as well."
The Boilermakers came out and claimed the doubles point easily, by capturing wins at all three spots. At the No. 1 singles spot, Jason Marshall defeated Steven Van Der Westhuyzen 6-2, 6-0. Scott Mayer came through with a big 6-3, 6-2 victory at the No. 5 spot over Matt Nielson. With Purdue up 3-0, the Nittany Lions began to fight back.
Penn State claimed victories at the No. 3 and 4 spots, and held the Boilers to three sets at the No. 2 and 6 positions. Senior Evan Hays pushed Damon Accardi, but was unable to hold him off. However, Madden attributes Hays' enthusiasm as the motivation Derek Miller needed to pull off a victory at the No. 2 spot, to clinch the win for Purdue.
"Hays has played an important role for us this year," Madden said. "Using him at 6 singles gives me pride that he can stay motivated and enthusiastic in competitive situations. Evan has role has mostly been a motivator and practice player, but today he helped keep Derek Miller's confidence up."
Hays may have played his last home outdoor match of his career. With the weather reports leaning towards rain, Purdue may be forced to face Ohio State indoors at the Lafayette Sports Center. Sunday' s action begins at 1 p.m.
Purdue 4, Penn State 3
Singles
1. Jason Marshall (PU) def. Steven Van Der Westhuyzen (PSU), 6-2, 6-0
2. Derek Miller (PU) def. Jeff Martini (PSU), 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
3. Jamie Gresh (PSU) def. Andrew Wakefield (PU), 7-6, 6-2
4. Chris DeStefano (PSU) def. Carl McCafferty (PU), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
5. Scott Mayer (PU) def. Matt Nielson (PSU), 6-3, 6-2
6. Damon Accardi (PSU) def. Evan Hays (PU), 7-5, 7-5
Doubles
1. Marshall/Wakefield (PU) def. Gesh/Van Der Westhuyzen (PSU), 9-7
2. McCafferty/Miller (PU) def. Martini/Accardi (PSU), 8-2
3. Laith Al-Agba/Mayer (PU) def. Matt Frakes/Brad Nudell (PSU), 8-4