By Evan Millstein, SDA Student Assistant
TEMPE- The Arizona State men's tennis team fell 5-2 against the No. 25 Duke Blue Devils in the program's first match since the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
The match on Saturday morning was special for the Arizona State program as Athletic Director Ray Anderson and members of the 2008 team were in attendance to witness the long-awaited rebirth of the men's tennis program.
Duke opened play grabbing the win on court three as Ryan Dickerson and Jason Lapidus defeated ASU's Benjamin Hannestad and Tim Ruehl 6-1. Captain Michael Geerts and Makey Rakotomalala defeated Nick Stachowiak and Sean Sculley 6-2 to even the doubles duel. The doubles point was decided on court five as Duke claimed the point as Nicolas Alvarez and Spencer Furman took down Thomas Wright and Andrea Bolla
The Sun Devils would tie the match on court four as Makey Rakotomalala's forehand winner recorded the Sun Devils' first program point in nearly 10 years. Rakotomalala won both of his sets in 6-2 fashion.
Duke claimed the lead right back on court three as Tim Ruehl fell to Spencer Furman 2-6,2-6.
Assistant Captain Benjamin Hannestad, playing on court two, defeated Catalin Mateas 7-5, 6-3 directly in front of the Thunderbirds' Terrace where the 2008 squad was watching.
Michael Geerts and William Kirkman both participated in matches that went the distance. Geerts came out strong in the first set taking the win 6-4 but lost 6-2,6-3 as Nicolas Alvarez took the point that sealed the victory for the Blue Devils. Kirkman battled with Ryan Dickerson on court six as the final match of the day. William Kirkman looked strong after winning the first set 6-1, but Dickerson adjusted and took the first set 6-1 and grinded out the final set 7-6 (5).
The Sun Devils hit the court next against the Texas A&M Aggies tomorrow, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. MST at Whiteman Tennis Center in Tempe, Ariz.
LINKS FROM DUKE MATCH...
Leading by example brings three captains to Sun Devil tennis
ASU loses to Duke in return (Pac-12 Network Review)
An interview with Matt Hill (VIDEO)
Men's tennis unhappy in loss (azcentral.com)
Men's tennis shows promise (Cronkite Sports)
TEMPE- The Arizona State men's tennis team fell 5-2 against the No. 25 Duke Blue Devils in the program's first match since the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
The match on Saturday morning was special for the Arizona State program as Athletic Director Ray Anderson and members of the 2008 team were in attendance to witness the long-awaited rebirth of the men's tennis program.
Duke opened play grabbing the win on court three as Ryan Dickerson and Jason Lapidus defeated ASU's Benjamin Hannestad and Tim Ruehl 6-1. Captain Michael Geerts and Makey Rakotomalala defeated Nick Stachowiak and Sean Sculley 6-2 to even the doubles duel. The doubles point was decided on court five as Duke claimed the point as Nicolas Alvarez and Spencer Furman took down Thomas Wright and Andrea Bolla
The Sun Devils would tie the match on court four as Makey Rakotomalala's forehand winner recorded the Sun Devils' first program point in nearly 10 years. Rakotomalala won both of his sets in 6-2 fashion.
TFW%20you%20win%20the%20first%20point%20in%2010%20years??%20pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3
—%20Sun%20Devil%20M.%20Tennis%20(@SunDevilMTennis)%20January%2013,%202018%20">Tweet #%20">Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3Tweet #TFW you win the first point in 10 years?? pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3 — Sun Devil M. Tennis (@SunDevilMTennis) Tweet #January 13, 2018TFW%20you%20win%20the%20first%20point%20in%2010%20years??%20pic.twitter.com/E0yBv1RIC3
—%20Sun%20Devil%20M.%20Tennis%20(@SunDevilMTennis)%20January%2013,%202018
Duke claimed the lead right back on court three as Tim Ruehl fell to Spencer Furman 2-6,2-6.
Andrea Bolla and Sean Sculley battled on court five but it was ultimately Sculley who defeated Bolla 6-3, 6-5.It was a great day in Tempe for @SunDevilMTennis to face off against @DukeMTEN in their first dual match since 2008!
— ITA Tennis (@ITA_Tennis) January 14, 2018
Listen to the reactions of some of the people who helped make this dream a reality!
Read more about the day here: https://t.co/w3QMbrS09x pic.twitter.com/DfvdLQGETy
Assistant Captain Benjamin Hannestad, playing on court two, defeated Catalin Mateas 7-5, 6-3 directly in front of the Thunderbirds' Terrace where the 2008 squad was watching.
Hannestad%20victorious%207-5,6-3%20over%20Catalion%20Mateas%20??%20pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaEr
—%20Sun%20Devil%20M.%20Tennis%20(@SunDevilMTennis)%20January%2013,%202018%20">Tweet #%20">Tweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaErTweet #Hannestad victorious 7-5,6-3 over Catalion Mateas ?? pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaEr — Sun Devil M. Tennis (@SunDevilMTennis) Tweet #January 13, 2018Hannestad%20victorious%207-5,6-3%20over%20Catalion%20Mateas%20??%20pic.twitter.com/MC9g7BzaEr
—%20Sun%20Devil%20M.%20Tennis%20(@SunDevilMTennis)%20January%2013,%202018
Michael Geerts and William Kirkman both participated in matches that went the distance. Geerts came out strong in the first set taking the win 6-4 but lost 6-2,6-3 as Nicolas Alvarez took the point that sealed the victory for the Blue Devils. Kirkman battled with Ryan Dickerson on court six as the final match of the day. William Kirkman looked strong after winning the first set 6-1, but Dickerson adjusted and took the first set 6-1 and grinded out the final set 7-6 (5).
The Sun Devils hit the court next against the Texas A&M Aggies tomorrow, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. MST at Whiteman Tennis Center in Tempe, Ariz.
Thank%20you%20everyone%20who%20came%20out%20for%20our%20first%20match%20back%20after%2010%20years!%20Catch%20us%20again%20tomorrow%20as%20we%20take%20on%20Texas%20A&M%20at%201pm.%20pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeB
—%20Sun%20Devil%20M.%20Tennis%20(@SunDevilMTennis)%20January%2013,%202018%20">Tweet #%20">Tweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeBTweet #Thank you everyone who came out for our first match back after 10 years! Catch us again tomorrow as we take on Texas A&M at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeB — Sun Devil M. Tennis (@SunDevilMTennis) Tweet #January 13, 2018Thank%20you%20everyone%20who%20came%20out%20for%20our%20first%20match%20back%20after%2010%20years!%20Catch%20us%20again%20tomorrow%20as%20we%20take%20on%20Texas%20A&M%20at%201pm.%20pic.twitter.com/bElX0IqNeB
—%20Sun%20Devil%20M.%20Tennis%20(@SunDevilMTennis)%20January%2013,%202018
SINGLES
FINAL: Duke 5, Arizona State 2
- (DUKE) Nicolas Alvarez def. (ASU) Michael Geerts 4-6 , 6-2 , 6-3
- (ASU) Benjamin Hannestad def. (DUKE) Catalin Mateas 7-5 , 6-3
- (DUKE) Spencer Furman def. (ASU) Tim Ruehl 6-2 , 6-2
- (ASU) Makey Rakotomalala def. (DUKE) Nick Stachowiak 6-4 , 6-2
- (DUKE) Sean Sculley def. (ASU) Andrea Bolla 6-3 , 7-5
- (DUKE) Ryan Dickerson def. (ASU) Will Kirkman 1-6 , 6-3 , 7-6
DOUBLES
- (ASU) Michael Geerts, Makey Rakotomalala def. (DUKE) Nick Stachowiak, Sean Sculley 6-2
- (DUKE) Ryan Dickerson, Jason Lapidus def. (ASU) Benjamin Hannestad, Tim Ruehl 6-1
- (DUKE) Nicolas Alvarez, Spencer Furman def. (ASU) Thomas Wright, Andrea Bolla 6-3
LINKS FROM DUKE MATCH...
Leading by example brings three captains to Sun Devil tennis
ASU loses to Duke in return (Pac-12 Network Review)
An interview with Matt Hill (VIDEO)
Men's tennis unhappy in loss (azcentral.com)
Men's tennis shows promise (Cronkite Sports)