Oklahoma State University Athletics
No. 23 Cowboy netters begin season with victory
February 04, 2006 | Cowboy Tennis
The Cowboys (1-0) jumped to the early lead by sweeping Memphis (2-1) in doubles to earn a point.
“We played really well tonight,” said coach James Wadley. “The guys really set the tone at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles and carried it on from there.”
OSU Sophomore Daniel Byrnes and his freshman brother Nathan Byrnes defeated James Spence and Sam Withell, 8-6 at the No. 1 position, while senior Tomas Bohunicky and junior Artie Burmistrau cruised to an 8-2 victory over Garrison Pilant and Michael Jetter.
In Singles play, 27th-ranked Daniel Byrnes earned his first career victory at the No. 1 position, by defeating Matt Brewer in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.
Also earning their first victories of the season were Cowboy newcomers Ivan Puchkarov, Olexsander Kotsiuk and Nathan Byrnes.
“I was looking forward to seeing how they would do in a pressure situation of a real match, and they came through really well,” Wadley said about his new players. “Ivan beat a guy that beat Tomas last year.”
While Wadley said it was a good way to start the season, the road will continue to get tougher as the Cowboys travel to Houston, Texas next weekend to compete against No. 37 Rice and No. 40 Miami.
“We did a tremendous job today, but it will be a lot tougher next weekend in Houston,” Wadley said.
Singles
No. 1- #27 Daniel Byrnes (OSU) def. Matt Brewer, 6-3, 6-1
No. 2 Tomas Bohunicky (OSU) def. Michael Jetter, 6-2, 6-1
No. 3 Ivan Puchkarov (OSU) def. James Spence, 6-4, 6-3
No. 4 Artie Burmistrau (OSU) def. Sam Withell, 6-2, 6-1
No. 5 Olexsander Kotsiuk (OSU) def. Tezar Putra, 6-2, 6-1
No. 6 Nathan Byrnes (OSU) def. Bryan Bankester, 6-1, 4-6 (10-5)
Doubles
No. 1 Byrnes/Byrnes (OSU) def. Spence/Withell, 8-6
No. 2 Bohunicky/ Burmistrau (OSU) def. Garrison Pilant/ Jetter, 8-2
No. 3 Kotsiuk/Puchkarov (OSU) def. Brewer/Bankester, 8-5
