2008 Woodie Awards
BSU serves Georgia State
TATE CASTLETON
Sports Writer
Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: Sports
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victory of the season, defeating Georgia State 4-3, to run away with the Boise State Red Lion Spring Break Invitational Championship last Saturday at the Appleton Tennis Center.
The No. 19 Broncos improved to 21-5 overall and looked impressive in a tournament that showcased 16 teams from around the country.
“There is nothing like having the spotlight on you when you throw the party,” Head Coach Greg Patton said. “I was really proud of the guys and how they put it together to defeat Georgia State.”
Going into Saturday’s championship match Georgia State was 14-3 and ranked No. 60 in the nation. According to Patton, however, they play like a top 30 team.
“I kept reminding myself that they were not only good, but very, very, very good,” Patton said. “We were not going to underestimate them and their talent.”
The Broncos could not overlook Georgia State and fought for every point against a team, which had not dropped a match en route to the championship match all weekend.
“This was a team that wouldn’t give up,” Patton said. “We had to fight and crawl for every point we got and we’re so happy to walk out of this with a win against a very competitive, prepared team.”
Boise State dealt the Panthers their first loss of the day in doubles action. Luke Shields and Piotr Dilaj were nearly flawless as they cruised past Mattias Skold and Martin Stiegwardt at No. 1 doubles, 8-2. Steve Robertson and Clancy Shields slid past Anze Cevka and Nejc Podkrajsek 8-6 at the No. 2 doubles to capture the doubles point for Boise State.
“Luke Shields and Piotr were automatic as usual, baby,” Patton said. “Then we have Clancy [Shields] and Stevie ‘Wonder’ [Robertson] who continue to just dominate in doubles. They played their guts out and deserved to win.”
Meanwhile, with a 1-0 lead the match then turned to singles. Steve Robertson made quick work of Anze Cevka, 6-1 and 6-4 in the No. 5 position to capture the first singles point of the match for Boise State.
At the No. 1 position, Luke Shields improved his singles record to 29-6 as he dominated Martin Stiegwardt 6-1 and 6-2 and
extended his winning-streak to eight straight matches.
“We saw awe inspiring play from Luke today,” Patton said. “His play continues to improve and it gives his teammates such confidence in their own play.”
Last Friday BSU swept the University of Texas-Arlington 7-0, to advance to the championship match. The match began with Boise State capturing the doubles point. Steve Robertson and Stanley Sarapanich played at the No. 3 position and knocked off Alberto Agis and Dmitry Minkin 8-1.
At the No. 1 position Luke Shields and Piotr Dilaj suffered a rare defeat to Gonzalo Blenobas and Daniel Omana 8-3, which left the doubles point to be determined at the No. 2 doubles.
The Broncos’ Blake Boswell and Eric Roberson did not disappoint as the duo secured its team-leading 13 doubles victory in dual match play over Javier Herrera and Diego Mattar 8-3.
“We did so many things right and that made us happy,” Patton said. “The guys wanted to break into the championship match and they were able to do it pretty easily on Friday.”
Boise State showcased their talent dominating in singles play dropping only one set all day en route to the championship match-up with Georgia State. Luke Shields continued his winning ways defeating Diego Mattar in the No. 1 position
6-4 and 6-0. Blake Boswell was able to remain undefeated (4-0) at the No. 2 singles beating Daniel Omana 7-5 and 6-1.
The Broncos were nothing short of entertaining as Piotr Dilaj
ousted Alberto Agis in the No. 3 singles to a super tiebreaker and eked out the win 3-6, 6-1 and 10-7. Steve Robertson captured a victory 6-3 and 6-4 against Dmitry Minkin to improve to 13-2 in singles. Robertson has now won 10 of
his last 11 matches.
“These guys never cease to amaze me,” Patton said. “They want to get better and better and win for each other and that makes all the difference.”
The Broncos will play in a double-dual match against Loyola Mary mount (5 p.m.) and Montana State (10 a.m.) April 7 at the Appleton Tennis Center. After winning the Spring Break Tournament Championship Boise State now hopes to move up at least one spot in the national rankings to No. 18.
“I really think we can move up,” Patton said. “We want to keep moving up and reach the top 16 before the seasons out, but it will be tough and we’ll have to continue playing our best tennis.”
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