Gardner-Webb Men's Tennis Has Impressive Outing at 2009 Crimson Tide Fall Championships
November 02, 2009 | Men's Tennis
TUSCALOOSA, AL- Senior Evgeny Slesarev and freshman Jeremie Tardif represented Gardner-Webb this past weekend at the 2009 Crimson Tide Fall Championship, hosted by the University of Alabama.
Slesarev's first round opponent was Patricio Alvarado of Southern Miss, who currently ranked 67th in the country. Slesarev was able to defeat Alvarado (6-3, 3-6, 6-3), but had to retire during his second round match against Matt Brewer of Tennessee due to fatigue. Head Coach Mike Griffith was pleased with Slesarev's effort in the tournament, with his first victory over a Top-70 opponent, but felt that he had a great chance of winning the tournament if he had not had to retire in his second round match.
Tardif's first round opponent was Coby Kramer-Golinkoff of Tulane, who won (6-4, 6-1). In the consolation rounds, Tardif defeated Chris Leeper of Kentucky (6-2. 6-4) but fell to Chris Smith of UT-Chattanooga (6-1, 7-6).
Overall, Coach Griffith felt that the fall season was fairly good for his team. Each member got valuable experience that will help them realize what they need to reach the next level and will benefit them in the Spring 2010 season.
The Bulldogs will return to action on Saturday, January 16th as they take on Clemson, who is ranked 66th by the ITA, and then turn around to face NC State, the 50th ranked team, the next day.
