Mississippi State
Florida State Invitational
Bulldogs Tally Three Wins On Final Day At Seminole Invite
October 03, 2009 | Men's Tennis
"Our whole goal is to improve one day at a time," said MSU's assistant coach Matt Hill. "We definitely did that today and it showed in our matches."
Stump earned his second victory at the Seminole Invitational, with his Draw B quarterfinals win over Florida A&M's Harold Williams, in a come-from-behind three set battle, 5-7, 7-5, 7-5. Stump would have to retire in the semifinals matchup between Tommy Petrich of UAB, while trailing 4-1.
"Tanner (Stump) fought through a really tough three-setter today and showed a lot of heart," said Hill. "Unfortunately he had to pull out of that semifinals match, but played really well overall."
Sophomore Max Gregor Smith competed in Draw A consolation play on Saturday and picked up his second win over a ranked opponent this fall, taking down 117th-ranked Johnny Hamui of Florida, in a three-set bout, 6-3, 3-6, 1-0(7).
"It is huge for Max (Gregor Smith) to pick up his second ranked win of the fall in only two tournaments," said Hill. "He is continuing to improve and will be a vital part of our team well into the season."
In Draw B consolation play, sophomore Hrehan Hakeem defeatd Victor Belucci of Bethune-Cookman in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0. State's senior Chris Doerr dropped a two-set decision to Alex Pukal of South Florida, 6-4, 6-4, to close out the tournament for the Bulldogs.
Currently head coach Per Nilsson is leading four MSU individuals into action at the ITA All-American Championship in Tulsa, Okla., but the Bulldogs will reunite on Oct. 22 when they travel to New Orleans, La., for the ITA Southern Region Indoor Championships.
SEMINOLE INVITATIONAL
Tallahassee, Fla. - 10/03/09
DRAW A - SINGLES
Consolation - Max Gregor Smith (MSU) def. Johnny Hamui (Florida) 6-3, 3-6, 1-0(10-7); Alex Pukal (South Florida) def. Chris Doerr (MSU) 6-4, 6-4.
DRAW B - SINGLES
Quarterfinals - Tanner Stump (MSU) def. Harold Williams (Florida A&M) 5-7, 7-5, 7-5
Semifinals - Tommy Petrich (UAB) def. Stump (MSU) 4-1, ret.
Consolation - Hrehan Hakeem (MSU) def. Victor Belucci (Bethune-Cookman) 6-2, 6-0.
