Box Score

KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State men’s tennis team gained a measure of revenge today at the KSU Tennis Complex when they downed Presbyterian by a 4-3 count, battling through frigid temperatures.

“It is certainly nice to see the improvement from last year,” commented head coach T.J. Greggs. “The doubles were the key to our victory today. We knew that Presbyterian had two very strong players at the top of their lineup, so nabbing the doubles point made things a lot easier on us.”

The Owls (5-5) stormed through the top two doubles matches, with the team of Tyler Mills and Elliot Kahler dominating their opponents at the No. 1 slot, 8-3. Michael Langel and Simon Janik also won in convincing fashion at No. 2 doubles by an 8-1 count. The all-freshmen team of Gokalp Ozdemir and Gianni Kubin squeezed out a tight win at No. 3, 8-7(5), to make it a clean sweep.

The Blue Hose (1-8) struck first blood in the singles, with Andrew Brigham overpowering Tyler Mills 6-0, 6-3 at the top spot. Gokalp Ozdemir put the Owls back on top when he finished off Ivan Ho 6-4, 6-1. The seesaw affair continued as Simon Janik was defeated in the No. 2 slot, leaving the match level at 2-2.

Presbyterian pulled ahead 3-2 when Michael Langel dropped a second set tiebreaker, leaving the fate of the Owls in the hands of Elliot Kahler and Ryan Bouttell. Kahler was the first to down his opponent, storming back from a 4-1 deficit to claim a 7-6(4), 6-0 victory at No.5. Bouttell found the form that led him to the team’s best record last season, downing Ryan Walters 6-2, 6-3 to finish off the Blue Hose and secure the victory.

The Blue Hose were the first team the Owls faced in their debut season last year, and the Owls fell in that match, 6-1. The Owls return to the court on Friday when they travel to Atlantic Sun foe Campbell. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Campbell Tennis Center.

Kennesaw State 4, Presbyterian 3

Doubles:
1) Tyler Mills/Elliot Kahler (KSU) def. Andrew Brigham/Zach Sprouse (PC) 8-3
2) Simon Janik/Michael Langel (KSU) def. Ivan Ho/Matt Martin (PC) 8-1
3) Gokalp Ozdemir/Gianni Kubin (KSU) def. Ed Snead/Ryan Walters (PC) 8-7(5)

Singles:
1) Andrew Brigham (PC) def. Tyler Mills (KSU) 6-0, 6-3
2) Matt Martin (PC) def. Simon Janik (KSU) 6-4, 6-4
3) Gokalp Ozdemir (KSU) def. Ivan Ho (PC) 6-4, 6-1
4) Zach Sprouse (PC) def. Michael Langel (KSU) 6-4, 7-6(6)
5) Elliot Kahler (KSU) def. Ed Snead (PC) 7-6(4), 6-0
6) Ryan Bouttell (KSU) def. Ryan Walters (PC) 6-2, 6-3