Box Score SAN DIEGO – Regardless of what happens in the postseason, the 2018 version of the Cougars men's tennis team made regular season history.
With their 7-2 win against Point Loma on Saturday afternoon, Azusa Pacific closed out the regular season with 22 wins in their 24 matches.
Since they joined the NCAA Division II ranks four years ago, no Cougar squad has posted that many wins or had a better winning percentage. Moreover the 22 wins mark the most in the regular season for the program since 2004.
Azusa Pacific is assured of at least three more matches during next week's PacWest Conference tournament in Surprise, Ariz. The event starts on Thursday against an opponent to be determined. The Cougars are in prime position to qualify for the NCAA Division postseason as well. The official selection for that is Tuesday, April 24.
There was little drama in Saturday's win that wrapped-up in less than three hours.
DOUBLES: Azusa Pacific won the first two contests off the courts as they won two of the three matches.
Oliver Frank and Antonio Pejic paired-up for the first time in 2018 and came away with an 8-3 win at the top position. Jesse Haas and Ryan Nuno continued their strong play at the No. 3 slot with an 8-4 victory. It is their 12th together this season.
Point Loma's tandem of Thomas Dafcik and Yuki Okamoto notched an 8-5 win at the second spot.
SINGLES: Jackob Schnaitter was the first Cougar off the courts as he posted a double breadstick (6-1, 6-1) win at the No. 3 position. Ronald Kang was nearly as efficient in his win at the fourth slot. Kang recorded a 6-2, 6-2 triumph.
Sealing the team match was senior Alan Leahy who cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 win at the No. 6 contest. Wins for Azusa Pacific continued to roll of the courts. Frank won his match-up against two top. 50 players 6-2, 6-4 at the No. 1 spot while Christian Schmid walk off victoriously (6-3, 7-5) at the No. 2 slot.
The Sea Lion won the last match played as C.J. Erion won 6-4, 6-4.