Four Golden Eagles to represent TTU at ITA All-American Championships
The Tennessee Tech tennis team has had four student-athletes chosen to participate in the Saint Francis Health System Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men's All-American Championships that will be held at the end of September through the beginning of October.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech tennis team has had four student-athletes chosen to participate in the Saint Francis Health System Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men's All-American Championships that will be held at the end of September through the beginning of October.
For the eighth straight year, the University of Tulsa will be the site of the championships. The tournament kicks off with pre-qualifying matches starting on Sept. 27, while the main draw is set to begin on Oct. 2.
"A tournament like this provides our players with a great opportunity," head coach Kenny Doyle said of the tournament. "Our guys will have the opportunity to face different opponents than they are used to seeing. It will help prepare them for the Ohio Valley Conference season, as well."
Junior Alex Arovin, who was recently ranked 94th among the top-125 individuals nationally by the ITA, earned automatic qualifications for the main draw of the tournament, guaranteeing him play on October 2. Last season, Arovin finished second in the men's singles in the Ohio Valley Conference with a record of 15-3. He earned All-OVC First Team for his efforts.
Tech will also be sending three players to the pre-qualifying rounds. Sophomore Alberto Esteban and freshmen Stanislav Smirnov and Eduardo Mena will join Arovin at the meet.
Last season Esteban, a freshman from Madrid, Spain, was 16-14 overall in singles play in his Tech debut, including a 7-2 record in the conference while playing in the No. 2 position. For most of his doubles play, he was paired with Arovin in the No. 1 spot as the duo posted a 5-2 conference record. He earned All-OVC First Team.
Smirnov, a native of the Ukraine, and Mena, a native of Spain, are each entering their first season with the Golden Eagles and look to make their mark in the purple and gold.
