Any Given Sunday... Dons claim 5th place at WCC Championships

The University of San Francisco Men's team defeated 4th seeded University of Portland this afternoon on the beautiful campus of USD. The Dons knew exactly what was at stake and came to play. The key to the match was Freshman Rainer Nachbauer(Bregenz, Austria) and Sophomore Torin Ching(Honolulu, Hawaii) doubles play at the #2 spot to clinch the doubles point against the Pilots winning in a 9-8(4)slugfest. University of Portland is best known for their strong doubles play and with the Dons able to clinch the doubles point, it just made everything that much easier as it popped the Pilots spirit going into singles play. Senior Matthew Berry(Capetown,South Africa)as he has been doing all year continued his winning form in his last ever collegiate match. Rainer Nachbauer playing #4 clinched his match to give the Dons a convincing 3-0 lead. After Falko Huettenberger lost in a tough three setter Tommy Tu who had been sick all conference tournament fittingly clinched the dual match for the Dons giving the 6th seeded Dons the right to the 5th place spot in the WCC tournament. The Dons who have learned alot as a team will go down on paper as the 5th best team in the WCC Conference tournament for 2007 but deep down inside they could easily have finished Top 3 again but unfortunately did not get the job done against USD on the first day.Opportunities come and go and hopefully this team and future teams will realize just how important every match in the West Coast Conference Tournament is. Thank you for the great memories 2006-2007 USF Dons as we keep the tradition for past, present and future teams alive. Go Dons!!!


Dons Top Pilots 4-1 to Take Fifth Place in WCC Championships
USF concludes season with win over fourth seed


April 22, 2007


The USF men's tennis team concluded a successful trip to the WCC Championships with a 4-1 win over fourth seed Portland Sunday at the University of San Diego. The Dons finished fifth in the event and concluded their season with a 13-13 mark.

The Dons broke ahead early, taking the doubles point as Torin Ching and Rainer Nachbauer won in a tiebreaker at two and Asaf Cohen and Mitch Del Rosario won 8-5 at the three slot.

Matthew Berry continued his red shot play winning 6-3, 6-1 at number one his 17th victory in the last 19 contests over Filip Zivkovic 6-3, 6-1. Rainier Nachbauer defeated Colby Jager 6-3, 6-1 at four and after Falko Huettenberger dropped a tough three set decision to Alex Strom, the Dons clinched fifth place with Thong Tu's three set (7-6, 2-6, 6-3) victory over Joel Kinkaid.


Consolation Final (5th place)
No. 6 San Francisco 4, No. 4 Portland 1
Doubles:
#1 Jager/Zivkovic (POR) def. Berry/Huettenberger (USF) 8-6
#2 Ching/Nachbauer (USF) def. Strom/Yemm (POR) 9-8 (7-4)
#3 Cohen/Rosario (USF) def. Kincaid/Schleining (POR) 8-5
Order of Finish: 1, 3, 2

Singles:
#1 â013 Matthew Berry (USF) def. Filip Zivkovic (POR) 6-3, 6-1
#2 â013 Alex Strom (POR) def. Falko Huettenberger (USF) 6-2, 6-7 (7-3), 6-3
#3 â013 Thong Tu (USF) def. Joel Kincaid (POR) 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-3
#4 â013 Ranier Nachbauer (USF) def. Colby Jager (POR) 6-3, 6-1
#5 â013 Charlie Yemm (POR) vs. Asaf Cohen (USF) Did Not Finish
#6 â013 Scott Kennel (POR) vs. Mitch Del Rosario (USF) Did Not Finish
Order of Finish: 1, 4, 2, 3

Getting to know Sophomore Torin Ching

Sophomore Torin Ching is currently a political science major and comes from Honolulu, Hawaii.

Why did you choose USF and what other universities were you considering?

I chose USF for it’s close location to Hawaii and academic reputation along with a great opportunity to play NCAA Division 1 Tennis. I also was considering University of Pacific, Loyola Marymount, and University of Hawaii. I don’t regret my decision as my experience has been rewarding.

How did you get started in tennis?

At 7 years old my father took me out to Kaneohe public park and that is where it all began. I admired Michael Chang when I was younger and watched many of his spectacular matches. That gave me motivation to want to excel in the game of tennis.

What are your plans for summer of 2007?

Academically, I plan to keep focused on my academics by taking summer school classes back home at the University of Hawaii. I plan to play the ITA Summer Circuit in Southern California with teammate Mitch Del Rosario( Fremont,CA) as well as Open tournaments with Assistant Coach Billy Ball. I look to keep working on my conditioning and prepare for the Fall of 2007.


What are your thoughts about the 5th/6th WCC Conference Match tomorrow against University of Portland?

University of Portland is a solid team in singles and doubles. In March we lost a heartbreaking 5-2 decision to them in the Boise State Invitational. We all knew as a team we were capable of winning but we did not play up to our potential. Because of all the hard work throughout the season such as our 6a.m. Morning Madness(7 miles at Ocean Beach) runs along with countless hours spent in the weight room and on the tennis court we are prepared and realize that it has all come down to this last match of our season. After the bitter taste of losing to them in March, we look to recover and finish strong especially for our lone graduating senior Matthew Berry(Capetown, South Africa).

What is the biggest difference you have noticed in the level of play in your transition from Hawaii to here at University of San Francisco?

In college tennis the guys have more weaponry such as bigger serves and ground strokes. There are longer rallies with more shots having depth. Players are more relentless and never willing to give up. Teams support is a big advantage and there is a lot more camaraderie within the team.

What do you fellow teammates call you?

My teammates call me T.K., Cha-Ching, Hawaii, Mama- Ching, Kim Kui, Massive Calves, and Torn.


Why do they call you Mama-Ching and Massive Calves?

Teammate Tommy Tu started to call me Mama-Ching at a team dinner because I always clean up after everyone and as team captain make sure they are following instructions. Matthew Berry decided to call me massive calves after he figured out I have the biggest calves team (which is not true). Actually freshman Einar Hart has the biggest calves on our squad.

As a player for the University of San Francisco what would you like to best be remembered by?

I would like to be remembered by my teammates as the person who has the best work ethic on the court in the weight room, and is a person who is the first person to be at practice and always the last one to leave. I know with hard work, the rest will take care of itself. Go Dons!!!

Dons defeat Loyola Marymount in Consolation Semifinal Round 4-2

A testament to the character of the University of San Francisco Dons showed this afternoon as they were able to defeat Loyola Marymount 4-2 in the consolation semifinal round and regroup after a heartbreaking loss to USD earlier this morning. The Dons played the match on the courts of San Diego State University and were able to show the heart and guts of what this team is truly made of. The Dons down 1-0 after losing the doubles point got on the board when Matthew Berry(Capetown,South Africa)defeated his opponent in straights. Next up for the Dons was Rainer Nachbauer giving the Dons a 2-1 lead. Mitch Del Rosario(Fremont,CA) playing at the #6 spot stepped it up and won in three sets. Lastly, Asaf Cohen (Tel Aviv,Israel) clinched the match for the Dons with a 6-2,7-6 victory giving the Dons a 4-2 victory. The Dons will play University of Portland Sunday Morning at 9a.m. for the right to claim 5th place in the West Coast Conference tournament.

It's like a Dream.. You Wake up and It's Gone

The University of San Francisco Men's Tennis Team had a golden opportunity this morning against the University of San Diego Toreros in 1st round play of the WCC Conference tounament. Unfortunately it was not to be as the moment of opportunity slipped right through their hands. The lack of experience and the sense of urgency played true to part as matches were finished off and the Dons dreams of reaching the semifinal round were done in 5 minutes. Falko Huettenberger (Stuttgart, Germany) was unable to hold at 5-6 deuce in the second set which gave the Toreros a 2-1 lead. Asaf Cohen(Tel Aviv,Israel) down 3-5 Ad out could not break as his opponenet closed it out to give the Toreros a 3-1 lead. That left our two freshman Einar Hart(Bodo,Norway) and Rainer Nachbauer(Bregenz,Austria) still on court. Rainer was able to break and serve out the second set when Einar Hart could not break down 5-3 and before we knew it, it was over. The Dons will pick it up at 1:30p.m. at the SDSU courts against Loyola Marymount University. The Dons will rebound and still have a great shot to finish Top 5 in the tournament. Go Dons!!!

Day 1 of the West Coast Conference Championships

The #6 seed University of San Francisco Dons Men's Tennis Team came to play today against the University of San Diego Toreros in day 1 action of the West Coast Conference Tournament. The match was held at the famous Barnes Tennis Center. Conditions were a little bit tough with winds and slight drizzle occuring during the matches. The Dons were able to get on the board as Matthew Berry as he has been doing all year stepped it up again beating Thomas Liversage. Jonas Mouly however evened it up for the Toreros defeating Tommy Tu in straight sets. The Dons are still hanging tough even though losing the first sets in matches #2,4,5,6. The Dons are battling and will continue play tomorrow morning at 9a.m. at the main courts at USD. Check back for more updates. Go Dons!!!

San Diego here we come!!!

The West Coast Conference tournament has arrived upon us April 20-22nd, 2007 down in sunny San Diego,CA. The Dons are looking to peak at just the right time and finish the year in top form. Yours truly will be down for all the action so please stay tuned for all of the results. Here's a look back at last year's WCC 3rd place finish over Santa Clara University. The Dons look to build on their recent victories over St. Mary's and University of Pacific. Anything can happen during conference time. Go Dons!!!

USF Handles Pacific on Senior Day

As the rain and clouds cleared away, the USF Men's Tennis team was able to host the University of Pacific at the beautiful Olympic Club this Saturday afternoon with some great support as the Dons took care of business and now look forward to the WCC Championships. It was Senior Matthew Berry's(Capetown,South Africa) last home match for the Dons and as he has been doing all season he stepped it up at #1 with a win. Great support for the team was shown all around as former players and alumni along with the support of Athletic Director Debbie Gore-Mann were present. A great barbeque and beautiful weather made it another illustrious day for the Green and Gold. As the journey of the 2006-2007 season comes closer to an end, it is important that we must keep the momentum and support of USF Men's Tennis along with Women's Tennis for the future of USF Tennis remains brighter than ever. San Diego,California here we come. Go Dons!!!


Dons defeat Pacific 6-0 on Senior Day at The Olympic Club
USF heads to WCC Championships in San Diego Friday


April 14, 2007

USF men's tennis celebrated Senior Day by sweeping past visiting Pacific 6-0 in a rain delayed match Saturday at the Olympic Club. It was the final tuneup for USF before opening play in the WCC Championships next Friday in San Diego.

The match was delayed until 3:15 due to a morning rain, but after the senior ceremonies for Matthew Berry, it did not take the Dons long to get started.

The match began with singles, and USF got straight set wins by Berry, Falko Huettenberger, Rainier Nachbauer, Asaf Cohen and Greg Hom. USF also got a win at number two by Thong Tu that was decided in a 10-point tiebreaker.

For Berry, the only Dons' senior, the win at number one was his 14th in the last 16 contests.

The doubles competition was not played.


SAN FRANCISCO 6, PACIFIC 0
SINGLES COMPETITION
1. Matthew Berry (USF) def. Moritz Starke (UOP) 7-6 (0), 6-0
2. Thong Tu (USF) def. Vegerd Veskimagi (UOP) 5-7, 6-1 (10-4)
3, Falko Huettenberger (USF) def. Alan Kelly (UOP) 6-1, 6-3
4. Rainer Nachbauer (USF) def. Ahad Ebrahim (UOP) 6-1, 6-2
5. Asaf Cohen (USF) def. Chase Oliphant (UOP) 6-1, 6-0
6. Greg Hom (USF) def. Robert Price (UOP) 6-0, 6-3
DOUBLES COMPETITION
Not Played

Men's Tennis battles University of Pacific on Saturday

NCAA Division 1 Tennis Match at the Olympic Club

When: Saturday April 14, 2007

Where: Lakeside Tennis Courts

Details: USF Men’s Tennis vs. U.O.P Tigers @1p.m.

Free Barbeque for all Tennis Section Members and Dons Fans!!!

Dress Code: No Denim!!!

It's all about Heart as USF finds a way to defeat St. Mary's 4-3

The University of San Francisco Men's Tennis team proved why they will be a force to reckon with come Conference time April 20-22nd down in San Diego,CA as they willed themselves to a victory when the chips were down and out Monday afternoon at the Olympic Club. The Dons coming off a stinging defeat from last Saturday rebounded with a clutch doubles point and Matthew Berry, Tommy Tu, and Asaf Cohen stepping it up to clinch the dual match victory. The three showed tremendous heart as all matches were nailbiters and only a few points seperated each outcome. Cohen and Tu both down one set each dug deep with Cohen winning 6-3 in the third and Tu clinching the dual match with a 6-4 in the third victory.The Dons last match will be Saturday the 14th at 1p.m. against U.O.P. with a barbeque for all spectators. Come out and support as we celebrate the Lone Senior Matthew Berry in his final home match. Go Dons!!!

Dons Rally Past Saint Mary's in Men's Tennis 4-3; Host Pacific Saturday on Senior Day
Tu and Cohen Rally with three set wins; Berry wins again


April 9, 2007


The USF Dons got come from behind three set wins by Thong Tu and Asaf Cohen and a straight set win by Matthew Berry at number one in defeating Saint Mary's 4-3 in men's tennis Monday at the Olympic Club.

The match started with USF winning the doubles point with wins by the teams of Falko Huettenberger and Berry winning 8-6 and the combo of Tu and Mitch Del Rosario taking a 9-8 win.

At singles, USF again got a solid performance by Matthew Berry in a 7-6, 6-4 win over Joel Kusnierz. It was Berry's 24th win in 30 decisions this season.

The key to the victory was the three set, come from behind wins by Asaf Cohen and Thong Tu. Cohen lost the first set to Yury Platanov before taking a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win while Tu rallied from a first set loss to defeat Achim Christner 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.

USF hosts Pacific Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Olympic Club on senior day when Matthew Berry will be honored.


College Tennis
at the Olympic Club

SAN FRANCISCO 4, SAINT MARY'S 3
SINGLES COMPETITION
1. Matthew Berry (USF) def. Joel Kusnierz (SMC) 7-6, 6-4
2. Andre Sion (SMC) def. Falko Huettenberger (USF) 6-4, 6-3
3. Thong Tu (USF) def. Achim Christner (SMC) 1-6, 6-4, 6-4
4. Adam Fauvre (SMC) def. Rainer Nachbauer (USF) 6-4, 6-7 (10-2)
5. Asaf Cohen (USF) def. Yury Platanov 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
6. Andrea Zannoni (SMC) def. Einar Hart (USF) 6-3, 6-2
DOUBLES COMPETITION
1. Huetterberger/Berry (USF) d. Fauvre/Sion 8-6
2. Platanov/Kusnierz (UCF) def. Cohen/Nachbauer (USF) 8-4
3. Tu/Del Rosario (USF) def. Zannoni/Ozpinar(SMC) 9-8

Sacramento State Hornets Sting Dons 4-3 in a Heartbreaker

The Sacramento State Hornets squeezed past the Dons this afternoon in Sacramento,CA.The Dons will regroup this Monday afternoon at the Olympic Club with a key match up against WCC Opponent St. Mary's of Moraga. First match will start at 2p.m. The Dons are currently 9-12 on the season with two more home matches at the Olympic Club before West Coast Conference play takes place on the campus of the University of San Diego. Time to step it up.

Dons Fall 4-3 in Men's Tennis at Sacramento State, Host St. Mary's Monday
Matthew Berry again wins at number one


April 7, 2007


The USF men's tennis team lost a 4-3 heartbreaker at Sacramento State on Saturday, narrowing losing the doubles point and then taking three of the six singles matches.

In doubles play, the teams split the first two matches with Falko Huettenberger and Asaf Cohen winning 8-2 at number three. USF lost the number one doubles, and Torin Ching and Rainer Nachbauer lost 9-8 (9) at the third slot. This would eventually determine the match winner.

Matthew Berry won for the 23rd time in 29 matches with a 7-6, 6-3 decision over Xavier Barajas-Smith. Asaf Cohen took straight sets at number four and Rainer Nachbauer won at number five, winning in the third.

But USF failed to win the fourth point as the host Hornets took the two, three and six singles, finally clinching when Gabriel Loredo defeated Huettenberger at three singles.

USF hosts Saint Mary's Monday at the Olympic Club.


Match played at the Rio Del Oro Racquet Club in Sacramento.
#73 Sacramento State 4, San Francisco 3
DOUBLES
1. Stryhas/Loredo (SAC) def. Berry/Tu (USF), 8-4
2. Barajas-Smith/Van Dillen (SAC) def. Torin Ching/Nachbauer (USF), 9-8 (9)
3. Huettenberger/Cohen (USF) def. Foy/Lantin (SAC), 8-2
Order of Finish: 3, 1, 2

SINGLES
1. Matthew Berry (USF) def. Xavier Barajas-Smith (SAC), 7-6 (5), 6-3
2. Anton Stryhas (SAC) def. Thong Tu (USF), 6-4, 7-5
3. Gabriel Loredo (SAC) def. Falko Huettenberger (USF), 7-5, 3-6, 6-1
4. Asaf Cohen (USF) def. Warwick Foy (SAC), 6-4, 7-6 (6)
5. Rainer Nachbauer (USF) def. Hague Van Dillen (SAC), 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
6. Tim Lantin (SAC) def. Mitch Del Rosario (USF), 7-5, 6-2
Order of Finish: 6, 1, 2, 4, 5, 3

Dons are Denied Down in Santa Clara

The Men's tennis team put up a great fight again this afternoon and came up short with a 6-1 loss to #67 Santa Clara with 4 of the 6 matches going 3 sets. Unfortunately as my former teammate once said to his opponent "Close doesn't count man" the Dons will have to regroup and finish strong similar to last year during Conference time. The Dons recognize they have another important match with WCC Opponent St.Mary's on Monday the 9th at the Olympic Club. The Dons will see Santa Clara one more time and as the saying goes that the third time is the charm. No doubt in my mind we will be back to face them and this time will matter the most. History sometimes repeats itself. Stay tuned.

No. 67 Santa Clara def. San Francisco 6-1
Doubles: (Order of finish 2, 1, 3)
1. SCU Jan Macek/Kevin McQuaid def. USF Matthew Berry/Thong Tu 8-6
2. SCU Steven Benvenuto/Blane Shields def. USF Torin Ching/Rainer Nachbauer 8-5
3. SCU Brian Brogan/Jay Wong def. USF Asaf Cohen/Falko Huettenberger 8-5


Singles: (Order of finish 2, 4, 5, 3, 1, 6)
1. USF Matthew Berry def. SCU Brian Brogan , 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (6)
2. SCU Jan Macek def USF Falko Huettenberger 6-1, 6-4
3. SCU Jay Wong def. USF Thong Tu 4-6, 6-4, 7-5
4. SCU Blane Shields def. USF Asaf Cohen 7-5, 2-6, 6-1
5. SCU Tommy Hicks def. USF Rainer Nachbauer 6-2, 7-5
6. SCU Kenzo Hirakawa-Wong def. USF Mitch Del Rosario 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5)

Buck Em Broncos

The University of San Francisco Men's Tennis Team had a solid practice on Wednesday afternoon and are primed to take what is rightfully theirs. Everyone knows what must be done and nows its a matter of just executing. We are the better team and are going to peak at the right time. So roll out the balls and let's getting this party started. It's not how you start but how you finish. Go Dons!!!

The Dons Come Away with a Split on Road Trip to Boise

The University of San Francisco Men's Tennis team split on their road trip last week in Boise,Idaho with wins over NAIA school Lewis and Clark College and #67 University of Central Florida. Tough losses to Ball State and WCC opponent University of Portland also occured as the Dons finished 7th in a field of 16. Next up for the Dons are the Santa Clars Broncos on April 5th, 2007 at the Degheri Tennis Center on the campus of SCU. Match time is 2:30p.m.