Jan. 27, 2002

Hinsdale, Ill. - The building process of the University of Illinois at Chicago men's tennis team under first-year coach Hans Neufeld is doing exactly that, building.

Coming off a difficult 7-0 loss to Marquette on Wednesday, the Flames came back strong on Saturday to give IUPUI all it could handle in losing 5-2 at the Hinsdale Racquet Club.

Another step was taken for UIC, as the Flames took two-of-three doubles matches, while senior Wade Clark played well, winning his singles match.

"All the guys battled real hard," Neufeld said. "We lost two 3-set matches and if we can get a couple of breaks to go our way it's a different story."

At No. 1 doubles, Amol Desai and Clark disposed of IUPUI's top duo of Brian Slack and Aaron Nikou in a comeback epic. Desai and Clark won the match 9-8 (5).

Nick Bodmer and Ken Howrey picked up the other doubles victory in the No. 2 slot, defeating Mike Ross and Juan Mas 8-5.

Clark was the lone singles winner for the Flames, pushing the Jaguars' Ken Rachon to the brink, and then beating him 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in the No. 3 singles match.

"Clark really played great, inspired tennis," Neufeld said. "He moved well and beat a very steady player.

"He set the tone for us."

Bodmer and Wil Karydakis each dropped hard-fought three-set matches for UIC.

UIC hits the courts again on Saturday, Feb. 2, when Horizon League foe Butler visits the Hinsdale Racquet Club. Match-time is set for 12:00 PM.

Results

Singles

1. Aaron Nikou (I) d. Ken Howrey (UIC), 6-2, 6-1

2. Brian Slack (I) d. Nick Bodmer (UIC), 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

3. Wade Clark (UIC) d. Ken Rachon (I), 6-4, 3-6, 7-5

4. Josh Becker (I) d. Amol Desai (UIC), 4-6, 5-7

5. Zach Breneman (I) d. Wil Karydakis (UIC), 7-6(5), 4-6, 2-6

6. Mike Ross (I) d. Omar Husain (UIC), 1-6, 2-6

Doubles

1. A. Desai/W. Clark (UIC) d. A. Nikou/B. Slack (I), 9-8 (5)

2. N. Bodmer/K. Howrey (UIC) d. M. Ross/J. Mas (I), 8-5

3. J. Becker/Z. Breneman (I) d. O. Husain/W. Karydakis (UIC), 8-6