Idaho men’s tennis proved once again why it is the Big Sky’s best after wins against Eastern Washington and Boise State last week.
Idaho vs. Eastern Washington University
Senior Mark Kovacs prepares to serve during Senior Day at the Idaho Tennis Courts Wednesday.
The Vandals men’s tennis gained their first home win of the season on Wednesday after a tough 4-3 win over Eastern Washington University.
Four out of the six single matches throughout the day lasted all the way into the third set, making for some nail biting action on the court.
The winner came down to the No. 2 court. With things all tied up at three points apiece, the game came down to Idaho senior Felipe Fonseca and EWU’s Scott Paz. With both players taking the first two sets respectively, the game came down to the final set. Sitting at a 4-4 tie after a wild back and forth, Fonseca picked up the huge win for the Vandals on senior day winning the final two games.
Idaho finishes Big Sky play with a 10-1 record and claiming the No. 1 seed heading into the Big Sky Championship in Phoenix.
Idaho vs. Boise State University
Idaho went on the road once again to finish the regular season with a 4-3 win over rival Boise State on Saturday.
Idaho junior Carlos Longhi Neto and senior Mark Kovacs dominated at No. 1 doubles, 6-2, to give the Vandals a double point. Idaho senior Felipe Fonseca and redshirt freshman Kooper Crow also claimed a dominant win at No. 3 by a score of 6-2 to claim another point.
Kovacs became the all-time leader in wins at the University of Idaho after a singles win at No. 1 to sit alone at the top of the record books. Boise state would answer with three straight wins of their own at No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6, pressuring Idaho to have to gain two more wins to claim the match.
Idaho sophomore Esteban Santibanez rallied late to take the win at No. 5, and Longhi Neto finished off the win for the Vandals at No. 3.
This game adds to the momentum that the Idaho Vandals have obtained towards the latter half of the season.
Idaho will travel to Phoenix, AZ to play for another Big Sky Championship on April 26.
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cderemer_VN