TUCSON, Ariz. --- The Anteaters fought to the end against No. 41 Texas Tech, but ultimately dropped the match, 4-2, to end Friday in a split at the Arizona Kickoff Classic.
Nico Mertens fell early in straight sets to No. 28 Felipe Soares, 6-1, 6-2. Sebastian Heim drew even with Texas Tech with a straight-set win of his own.
The Red Raiders went up, 3-1, before Rafael Davidian gutted out a 7-5, 7-5 win, but Jonathan Hammel's opening set victory fell by the wayside to Jolan Caileau in three sets.
The 'Eaters return to the courts Saturday morning with a 9:00 a.m. match against No. 61 New Mexico, and plays Arizona for a second time at 1:00 p.m.
No. 41 TEXAS TECH 4, UC IRVINE 2
January 16, 2015
Tucson, Ariz. – Arizona Kickoff Classic
Singles
1 No. 28 Felipe Soares (TTU) def. Nico Mertens (UCI) – 6-1, 6-2
2 Hugo Dojas (TTU) def. Tyler Pham (UCI) – 6-2, 2-6, 6-2
3 Sebastian Heim (UCI) def. Victor Cornea (TTU) – 6-2, 6-1
4 Rafael Davidian (UCI) def. Alex Sendegeya (TTU) – 7-5, 7-5
5 Jolan Caileau (TTU) def. Jonathan Hammel (UCI) – 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
6 Connor Curry (TTU) def. Justin Agbayani (UCI) – 7-5, 6-0
Order of finish: 1, 3, 6, 2, 4, 5
UCI 1-1 | TTU 1-1
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