[Tennis] IWU Tennis Win Three of Four ITA Midwest Region Championships

MARION, Ind. – Lizzie Bauss won the Women’s Singles title, the team of Thewuni Devaraja and Maddie Bemisderfer won the Women’s Double championship, and the duo of Eli Steiner and Grant Esposito captured the Men’s Double crow to cap a tremendous weekend of tennis for Indiana Wesleyan University. Bauss and the doubles teams advance to the national 2018 ITA Oracle Cup later this season.

 

Men's Singles Main Draw

Diego Freire lost to Radu Popa 6-1, 7-6(2) in the semifinals (Popa won the tournament)

"Diego gave a valiant effort,” said IWU head coach Eddy Shigley. “We felt like if he could just take the match to a third set he would win the match. His opponent was dragging and was physically exhausted from Diego running him all over the court."

 

Men's Singles Consolation Draw

Riley Worland lost in the semifinals 6-2, 2-6. 10-2

"Riley had a great tournament, especially for a freshman,” stated Shigley. “He grew up a ton during the tournament and is getting better every day."

 

Men's Doubles Main Draw

Eli Steiner and Grant Esposito won the finals 8-6 vs. the No. 1 team from Goshen

"We are watching history being made with our team winning the doubles title,” said Shigley. “To my knowledge, I believe this is our first men's title in program history. Eli and Grant came out today with unbelievable focus and motivation. It is so good to see our men's team have this kind of success against some of the best competition I have seen at this tournament in a long time."

 

Men's Doubles Consolation Draw

Tyler Abbott and Grant Yager won the consolation doubles title.

"Great win for our Tyler and Grant,” added Shigley. “They played doubles together for the first time this week. They made tremendous adjustments throughout the tournament and played incredible tennis."

 

Women's Singles Main Draw

Lizzie Bauss defended her title by beating Mendez (IUE) 6-3, 6-0

Shigley said, "Today, Lizzie put together two outstanding matches in the semifinals and finals. She only lost five games in two matches against some very tough competition. It is very difficult to win this tournament, but now Lizzie has won it two years in a row. This is quite an accomplishment."

 

Women's Doubles Main Draw

Thewuni Devaraja/Maddie Bemisderfer defeated teammates Lizzie Bauss/Alex Mella 8-6 in the final

"It is always hard to play teammates in this tournament, let alone in the finals,” Shigley said. “Lizzie and Alex were the defending champions, Maddie and Tay simply played incredible tennis today. If our No. 2 doubles team can play this way the rest of the season, we are going to have a great year. Lizzie and Alex are the No. 10 ranked doubles team in the nation."