Jan. 23, 2016
HANOVER, N.H. -- The Nittany Lions topped the Clemson Tigers 6-1 Saturday afternoon in the first match of the spring season. The Penn State squad was dominant in doubles, improving their record to 1-0.
The Lions came out strong in doubles claiming two 6-1 victories from the pairs of Leo Stakhovsky (Kiev, Ukraine) and Constant De La Bassetiere (Reims, France) and Matt Barry (Lido Beach, N.Y.) and Aws Laaribi (Rye, N.Y.).
"We were strong in doubles, said Head Coach Jeff Zinn. "I think that was big emphasis for us coming into the spring season. Dartmouth is a very good team. We will have to be on our A game tomorrow. "
The third doubles match including David Kohan (Sydney, Australia) and Christian Lutschaunig (Richboro, Pa.) was not finished due to the other Lions clinching the point.
"We came out strong in doubles and took most of the singles matches," said Assistant Coach Paul Tobin, "For tomorrow, we are focusing on picking up our game to face an undefeated team."
The Nittany Lions made quick work of the Tigers, winning the first of five singles points. Stakhovsy lead the team at first singles to a 7-5, 6-2 victory. The rest of the singles line-up followed suite with Lutschaunig, Barry, Tomas Hanzlik (Prague, Czech Republic) and Ben Lieb (Newtown Square, Pa.) all picking up wins.
"I feel really good that we could come out the first match of the year and win 6-1," said Head Coach Jeff Zinn. "I know the Clemson coaching staff very well and they are an extremely well coached team. That was a huge match for the team; Clemson will go on to win a lot this season. "
This was the first time these two teams have meet since 1985. Clemson continues to hold the overall record between the teams of 9-2.
"I thought we played well considering it was our first match of the season," said Coach Tobin. "Clemson is going to be a very good team this year, so I think it will help us in the rankings."
Sunday the Nittany Lions face Dartmouth at 11 a.m. The Big Green head into this meeting undefeated. Please check back to GoPSUSports.com throughout the weekend for more coverage of the Penn State men's tennis team. Updates are also available on our Facebook, Penn State Men's Tennis, and Twitter, @pennstateMTEN, pages.
Penn State 6, Clemson 1
Singles
1. Leonard Stakhovsky (PSU) def. Luke Johnson (CU) 7-5, 6-2
2. Alex Favrot (CU) def. Aws Laaribi (PSU) 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 (8)
3. Constant De La Bassetiere (PSU) def. Daffra Sanon (CU) 6-3, 6-1
4. Matt Barry (PSU) def. Arturo Pinazo (CU) 6-3, 6-2
5. Tomas Hanzik (PSU) def. Austin Ansari (CU) 3-6, 6-1, 6-3
6. Ben Lieb (PSU) def. Robert Dudley (CU) 3-6, 6-3, 1-0 (8)
Order of finish: 3,1,4,5,6,2
Doubles
1. Luke Johnson/Robert Dudley (CU) vs. David Kohan/Christian Lutschaunig (PSU) 4-2, unfinished
2. Leonard Stakhovsky/Constant De La Bassetiere (PSU) def. Alex Favrot/Daffra Sanon (CU) 6-1
3. Matt Barry/Aws Laaribi (PSU) def. Austin Ansari/Christian Harris (CU) 6-1
Order of finish: 3,2