Jan. 15, 2007
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Western Michigan won five of eight singles and all three doubles over Purdue to prove it was the Boilermaker Invitational's best team. The Broncos posted an overall record of 23-9 (.719) through all three days of the Schwartz Tennis Center's grand-opening tournament.
"This was the dog fight we expected," said Purdue assistant coach Cris James. "They showed they were the best team of the weekend along with us."
Three of the eight singles matches went to three sets. Senior Eric Hodgman held back WMU's Alex Birchmeier, 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (3) to finish the weekend undefeated at 3-0. Sophomore Kurt Zaske also went 3-0 after coming back to beat Milan Petercak, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Freshman Branko Kuzmanovic didn't record a win at the invite but played his best tennis Monday, falling to Tim Bradshaw, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (1).
"Branko's match was as close as it gets," said James. "Branko played his best tennis today. He didn't play poorly, the other guy just stepped it up."
Senior Scott Warner had the easiest day of all the Boilermakers, finishing off Brian Norville in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
Both Paul Foley and Griff Nienberg fell in straight sets, and P.J. Rose and Jose Fuenmayor lost their single pro-set exhibitions.
Despite a handful of losses, James admits the new tennis facility has been a strong source of pride for the players and was a factor in their strong performances.
"This building has helped changed the team's attitude," said James. "Throughout the fall we talked about changing the losing atmosphere we've experienced over the past few years, and now we want to be out here practicing. It's become fun.
"Lately we've been playing our best tennis of the year, and it's a credit to our guys who took care of business over winter break and stayed in shape."
Purdue returns to the court on Sunday, Jan. 28 to take on Butler as part of a doubleheader with the women's team. Matches begin at 1 p.m.