An unbelievable comeback win a 10-point tiebreaker and a 7-0 sweep highlighted a remarkable day for the men’s tennis team Saturday. However the excitement was short-lived as the Waves lost 6-1 to Boise State University 24 hours later.
On Saturday fueled by senior Omar Altmann and the Waves’ doubles team of freshmen Alex Llompart and Jenson Turner Pepperdine blanked Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 7-0 at the Ralph-Straus Tennis Center improving its record to 3-1 for the season.
In his singles match Altmann had one of the best performances of the year thus far knocking off Sebastian Bell (SLO) 6-2 7-6 (10-4). After dominating the first set Altmann quickly fell behind 5-0 in the second before rallying to tie it at 6-6. In the tiebreaker Altmann continued his solid play to win the set 7-6 (10-4) and the match.
“I thought Omar played well but he lost concentration in the beginning of the second set said Waves Head Coach Adam Steinberg. He did a great job in coming back from 5-0 but shouldn’t get into that position in the first place.”
Freshman Daniel Moss made quite an impression in his home debut as a Wave. The Malibu-native beat Cal Poly’s Brian McPhee 6-1 6-4.
“I had tons of energy and I was really pumped to play Moss said. It was the most fun I’ve ever had playing tennis.”
In doubles Turner and Llompart defeated Blake Wardman and Alex Sonesson (SLO) in dramatic fashion. The freshman duo battled to an 8-8 tie and entered into the 10-point tiebreaker. After three ties Turner and Llompart finally finished off the Mustangs 9-8 (10-7).
“I was definitely nervous but excited at the same time Turner said. I had a lot of confidence in Alex and I knew we could pull it out and win the doubles point for the team.”
Unfortunately the tide turned the very next day as the Waves played host to No.-37 Boise State losing 6-1. Pepperdine picked up a lone win in singles from Llompart who won 6-3 6-3 in straight sets against Christian Hodel (BSU).
Altmann and junior Bassam Beidas the only doubles winners for Pepperdine beat Kean Feeder and James Meredith 8-5.
“I know that we can play better [than we did against Boise St.] and I expect to this weekend Steinberg said.
The men’s tennis team (3-2) will return to action when it hosts the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Indoor Qualifying Tournament Saturday and Sunday. Pepperdine will take on the University of Miami, University of Alabama and University of Denver. If the Waves win both matches, they will be invited to play in the ITA National Team Indoor Championships at the Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago, Ill Feb. 13 through 16.