Williams Suffers Setback to Emory in NCAA Men's Tennis Semifinal

Courtesy Williams Sports Information

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - Dave Johnson’s upset-minded Ephs’ quest for an NCAA Div. III title was halted by a 4-1 loss in the semifinals to the second-ranked Eagles of Emory University this afternoon.

“We might have used up all the magic yesterday,” Johnson said. “Given that we had such a tough match against [Claremont Mudd-Scipps] yesterday, it was probably a lot to expect that we could generate that same energy again today. There was certainly no lack of effort, I’m very pleased with that. We’re just disappointed with the outcome.”

The Ephs dropped the opening doubles point, digging a 1-0 hole entering singles play, but unlike in yesterday’s quarterfinal match, the Ephs were not able to win four of the six singles matches for the win.

“Doubles hurt us again today,” Johnson said. “We really didn’t play as well as we could have, and it’s tough to go into singles knowing we had to win four matches like we did yesterday. It’s just so hard against such good competition.”

The Ephs’ only win of the afternoon came from senior Bryan Monier ’06 at No. 6, with a 7-6, 6-1 win, while teammates sophomore Gary Simonette and junior Ted Haley were both in a third set when their matches were deemed unnecessary to complete.

“Bryan has just had an incredible season,” Johnson said. “Playing at No. 6 he sometimes gets overlooked, but he’s just had a really incredible senior year.”

Emory won at No. 1, 2, and 3 to clinch the win and a berth in the national championship match.

“The seniors are really disappointed, and I was for them,” Johnson said. “They put their heart and soul into it, and I’m really going to miss them. It’s been a wonderful group for four years.

The Ephs will face top-ranked Gustavus Adolphus, who was upset by fourth-ranked Middlebury, 4-0, in the other semi-final, tomorrow morning at 9 am in the third place match.

"I think we’re rallying up for tomorrow's match," Johnson said. "It’d be nice for the seniors to finish up on a winning note."

Emory 4, Williams 1

Singles:
1. Michael Goodwin (E) def. Daniel Greenberg (W) 6-4, 6-3
2. Patrick Redmond (E) def. Scott MacKenzie (W) 6-1, 6-3
3. Yoji Masuoka (E) def. Jeff Kivitz (W) 6-3, 6-0
4. Hardy Ehlers (E) vs. Gary Simonette (W) DNF
5. Jesse Ferlianto (E) vs. Ted Haley (W) DNF
6. Bryan Monier (W) def. Mark Boren (E) 7-6, 6-1

Doubles:
1. Michael Goodwin/Yoji Masuoka (E) vs. Scott MacKenzie/Gary Simonette DNF
2. Hardy Ehlers/Jesse Ferlianto (E) def. Jeff Kivitz/Bret Thacher (W) 8-4
3. EPatrick Redmond/Michael Kaufman (E) def. Daniel Greenberg/ Bryan Monier (W) 8-1