VIDEO: Duke Blanks Duke 7-0

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:10:54 -0700

Although the match was a blowout, there were some noteworthy highlights. In particular, #1 singles between USC’s Robert Farah and Duke’s David Goulet was a rare treat. In today’s game, all levels of tennis are dominated by baseline battles, with few players venturing into the net unless absolutely necessary. However, the battle at #1 shaped into a classic struggle between a serve-and-volleyer and an aggressive baseliner.

The beauty of the match-up was in the contrast between the two playing styles. Goulet kept the ball low and short, while Farah used heavy topspin to seesaw his opponent around the court. Initially, there were no breaks as Farah struggled to understand the Goulet serve. Goulet’s strategy was to hit a huge first serve and then follow it in with a volley at Farah’s feet. Although Farah didn’t break for the first nine games, each game he came closer to finding a winning strategy. Rather than attempting to pass on the first ball, the USC #1 bided his time until the right volley allowed him to rip a passing shot away from his opponent at net.

At the same time, Goulet tried to put pressure on Farah by chipping low slices and then rushing in to volley. However, Farah was always ready to pass the Duke senior with razor-sharp precision. Unfortunately Goulet didn’t have a plan B and continued to fruitlessly rush the net. To his credit, he utilized his style of play well and never gave up. But in the end, Farah’s game was too much and caused the Duke #1 to fall 6-4, 6-1.

VIDEO: USC Defeats baylor 6-1

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:48:44 -0700

The match between USC and Baylor was billed as an epic clash between two titans of college tennis. Both teams were ranked only one spot apart and set on seizing a big win. The last time the two schools played, Baylor defeated USC at home.

Trojan doubles was perhaps the most impressive part of the match. The #3 team Andrew Piotrowski and Jaak Poldma crushed their opponents 8-3. Huge groundstrokes from Piotrowski and expert volleys from Poldma were too much for the Baylor team to handle. At #2 doubles, Gary Sacks paired with new team-mate Jason McNaughton. The pairing proved to be a winning strategy as the two Trojans clinched the doubles point 8-5.

Meanwhile on Court 1, the #1 doubles team of Robert Farah and Kaes Van’t Hof found themselves entrenched in a tight battle with the #1 Baylor doubles team. The two pairs traded serves, with neither able to gain a significant lead. The match went to a deciding tiebreak, where USC came back after losing a mini-break to win the match 8-7 (5).

Although the doubles point was theirs, the Trojans knew that singles would be a tough challenge. With the #10 and #15 ranked players in the nation, the top of the USC singles lineup would have its hands full. Lars Poerschke, the Baylor senior known for his thundering serve and one of the hardest forehands in the game, tried to blow Robert Farah off the court. But Farah stayed tough and proved why he is one of the top college tennis players by routing Poerschke 6-1, 3-0 before the Poerschke was forced to retire.

On Court 2, USC’s Kaes Van’t Hof took on Denes Lukacs, ranked #10 in the NCAA. The USC senior serve the Baylor sophomore off the court. When Kaes was less than two games from sealing the victory, Lukacs unexpectedly defaulted.

Jaak Poldma defated Matt Brown at #3. His heavey groundstrokes and served proved to be too much for Brown to handle. Jaak finished off the match with two consecutive aces.

Men: USC Blanks Arizona 7-0

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:58:53 -0800

The match was much closer than the score would indicate. Doubles play was especially intense. The #2 team of Poldma and Sacks fell first, giving Arizona a 1-0 lead in the doubles. Van’t Hof and Farah were able to level the score by narrowly winning the #1 doubles match in a tiebreak 9-8 (6).

As the doubles score was tied at 1-1, all eyes turned to the #3 USC doubles team of Piotrowski and Magdas. The outcome looked bleak as #3 USC doubles was down 3-7 with Arizona serving for the match. But point by point, USC clawed their way back into the match in a tiebreak 9-8 (4).

Singles was also a battle as three out of the four matches went to a third set. But in the end, USC was too tough and the Trojans swept Arizona 7-0.

Practice Match: McNaughton vs. Poldma

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:55:21 -0800

Women: ITA National Indoors Draw

Tue, 5 Feb 2008 04:09:00 -0800

The Lady Trojans fly early Tuesday morning for the ITA National Team Indoors in Madison, Wisconsin. The event features the top teams in the country in a 16-team draw.

As the #7 seed, USC will play Arkansas on Thursday morning at 9 AM. For more information on draws, start times, and line-ups, see here.

VIDEO: Abdullah Magdas on Cal-Stanford Trip

Mon, 4 Feb 2008 23:27:16 -0800

Abdullah Magdas has a big heart. Last week, Magdas displayed his strong competitive spirit in a come from behind win the first set against San Diego.

With that being said, Magdas was optimistic about the upcoming Cal-Stanford trip in the Bay Area. What we love about Magdas is the level of respect he portrays for his opponents as you will see in the interview below.

Unfortunately, Magdas will depart USC to rejoin his teammates from Kuwait in Davis Cup action for the next week. Feel free to follow the results at the official Davis Cup website. Although we lose Magdas at the six spot, we have plenty of depth to fill the void with confidence.

We want to give a big thanks to freshman Matt Manasse for being a stellar reporter, ESPN-style. Booya!