March 3, 2001
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue men's tennis team defeated Drake 6-1 on Saturday at the Lafayette Sports Center. The Boilermakers improved to 5-3 on the season, while Drake fell to 3-4.
"This match was much more competitive than a 6-1 score implies," head coach Tim Madden said. "Drake jumped out with more intensity in a doubles match that we've seen this season. We managed to regroup and get the job done."
Stephen Killian and Tim Miller paired to defeat Purdue's No. 1 team of Jason Marshall and Dan Swan with a close 9-8(7) victory. But the Boilermakers, who take much pride in doubles play, would not stay down. Carl McCafferty and Laith Al-Agba defeated Anthony Perkins and Bryan Endress-Fox 8-4 at the No. 2 spot. At No. 3, Derrick Miller and Scott Mayer knocked off Aaron Endress-Fox and Kirk Schuler 8-3 to gain the doubles point.
Purdue did not waste anytime in singles action. Marshall defeated Killon 7-6, 6-2 at the No. 1 position and Troy Havens picked up a 6-1, 7-5 win at No. 5. The action at No. 2, 4 and 6 positions became grudge matches.
"Some of the matches became endurance contests," Madden said. "Our guys had to dig deep and believe that they could win."
The Boilermakers will travel to Bloomington on Sunday to take on the Hoosiers. The hotly contested match will begin at noon.
"Tomorrow Indiana will have no shortage of energy," Madden said. "Last year we were ranked higher and still defeated them, which I am sure didn't sit well with them. This year they have won some important matches and are playing with confidence. But, we are going to do nothing short of win."