GULF SHORES, Ala. – It's been a tough go for the Yellowjacket men's tennis team. The Yellowjackets, who are playing as rugged a schedule as there is in the region, have faced one difficult test after another in 2024-25.
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That continued as the team made its way to Alabama, where the Yellowjackets dropped matches to Belhaven, St. Thomas and West Florida. Thursday marked their final chance to earn a victory in Alabama, as they took on Illinois Wesleyan.
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Hopefully, what transpired Thursday is a springboard to a strong stretch run for the Yellowjackets.
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The Yellowjackets took the doubles point and split the singles matches on the way to a 4-2 win at Gulf Shores Tennis Complex.
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With the win, the Yellowjackets (4-10) snapped a three-match losing streak.
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The duo of
Brandon Chu (Rogers, Minn./Rogers) and
Blake Haugen (Fairmont, Minn./Fairmont) paced the Yellowjackets Thursday, combining to win their match at No. 3 doubles before each winning their singles matches, accounting for three of the four points for the Yellowjackets.
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Match Notes
- Igor Guetten Chaves (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil/Colégio Adventista) and Vitor Sakakibara (São Paulo, Brazil/Colégio Saber) picked up a big win at No. 2 doubles, winning 6-3 to seal the doubles point for the Yellowjackets.
- Chu and Haugen rolled at No. 3 doubles, winning 6-0.
- At No. 5 singles, Chu took the first set 6-1 before dropping the second 3-6. He rolled in the third set, however, winning it 6-1 to take the match.
- Haugen followed a similar script at No. 6 singles. After dropping the first set 0-6 Haugen rebounded to win the second 6-0. The momentum stayed with Haugen, who took the third set 6-1.
- Guetten Chaves had little trouble at No. 1 singles, winning in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
- Chu's singles win was his fifth of the season, tying him for the second most on the team this season.
- Guetten Chaves and Sakakibara are now 6-3 in double action.
The Yellowjackets will be back in action Saturday, Mar. 22 when they travel to St. Peter, Minn. to take on Gustavus Adolphus. The first serve is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the Swanson Tennis Center.
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