Longview, Texas - The University of the Ozarks men's tennis team opened its fall season at the LeTourneau Invitational, playing a full slate of competitive matches against LeTourneau, Hendrix and Hardin-Simmons University September 11-12.
Against LeTourneau, the Eagles won four doubles matches: Haru Satomura and Kento Iwahara defeated Andrew Reiman and Fernando Vazquez 8-3; Ryan Rosalin and Jumpei Takemoto defeated Josiah Nellis and Brayden Money 8-3; Zach Hanson and Nathan Briggs defeated Jack Giseburt and Zach Graham 8-5; and Jack Giseburt and Zach Graham defeated Kale Crenshaw and Draidhan Lico 8-5. In singles, the Eagles picked up four wins. Kento Iwahara defeated Andrew Reiman 6-4, 6-1; Haru Satomura defeated Tim Black 6-1, 6-2; Graham Blackman defeated Keltan Jordan 6-3, 7-5; and Nestor Carrero defeated Draidhan Lico 6-2, 6-2.
In doubles action against Hardin-Simmons, Jumpei Takemoto and Haru Satomura won 8-6 over Phoenix Davis and Russell Watson. In singles against the Cowboys, the Eagles won five matches. Kento Iwahara defeated Payne Smith 7-5, 4-6, (10-4); Jumpei Takemoto won by injury retirement. Jackson Riendeau defeated Parker Decosmo 8-1; Ryan Rosalin defeated Luke Levelle 7-5, 3-6, (10-8); and Haru Satomura defeated Gabe Harris 1-6, 6-3, (10-1).
In doubles play against Hendrix, the Eagles won three matches. Kento Iwahara and Jumpei Takemoto defeated Tommy Anolinc and Robinson Wright 8-5; Seth Dunn and Joseph Hendricks defeated Santiago Perez and Jackson Haynes 8-6; and Graham Blackman and Zach Hanson defeated Lucas Junkermanna and Graeme Harrison 8-5. In singles, the Eagles won three matches. Kento Iwahara defeated Max Henderson 6-1, 7-6 (7-2); Haru Satomura defeated Santiago Perez 6-4 RET; and Archie Martyn-Smith defeated Lucas Junkermann 2-6, 2-2 RET.
Senior Kento Iwahara, from Fukuoka, Japan, shared his perspective after strong matches.
"I felt really good about the weekend," said Iwahara. "I played six matches in two days and won five of them. Since this is my last semester, I'm focusing more on enjoying and appreciating every single point rather than worrying about playing perfect tennis or winning every point. At the end of the day, that mindset is actually helping me play better tennis. We have more matches this weekend, so I'll do my best to get ready and be prepared for them."
The Eagles will now prepare for the East Texas Baptist University Tiger Invite September 18-19.
By: Estefania Bautista
