Results

TULSA, Okla. - Senior Luca Marquard and junior Luis Lopez got off to a strong start in their first fall tournament of the 2017-18 season as they combined to go 4-0 at the Saint Francis Health System ITA All-American Championships Saturday in Tulsa, Okla.
 
Luis Lopez cruised to a pair of straight-set victories to advance to Sunday's prequalifying Round of 64. He started the day by taking down Benny Schweizer of Lamar, 6-1, 6-2. That pitted him against Hofstra's Marcus Smith, who had a first-round bye, and Lopez continued to roll with another 6-1, 6-2 triumph.
 
"Luis won both matches routinely," UCI head coach Mike Saunders said. "Both opponents would have given him a run for his money last season, but his dedication and hard work over the summer has paid off. He's playing at another level and is stronger in every department. He's a true competitor at his core, driven not by validation but rather by the desire to push boundaries and realize his potential."
 
Luca Marquard earned a big three-set win over Jack Molloy of Cal in his opening round match. Marquard prevailed 7-5 in the first set before suffering a 6-2 loss in the second. He then bounced back in the third with a convincing 6-3 victory. Marquard followed that outing with a 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-4 win over San Diego State's Arnaud Restifo.
 
"In the first match Luca dictated and controlled the points in the first set," Saunders said. "The second set he played more passive, but I was proud of how he rebounded and regained the courage to control the points. That's his groove; when he has that mentality, he's dangerous.
 
"Luca was rolling in the second match but turned his ankle at 3-0. While his ankle was clearly impeding his ability to serve and move, it was evident he could still win. He refused to play with an excuse to lose in the third and found a way to win without being at full mobility."
 
Lopez and Marquard both move on to the Round of 64 and will need to win two matches on Sunday to secure a spot in the ITA All-American Championships qualifying draw.
 
Senior Sebastian Heim will also begin action in the qualifying bracket on Monday, Oct. 2.