Freshmen answer the call in epic dual win over Valparaiso

Saturday, January 28

Madison, WI

12PM

Wisconsin Badgers

Valparaiso

Photo by: David Stluka

Freshmen answer the call in epic dual win over Valparaiso

January 28, 2017 | Men's Tennis

Newcomers Soyfer and Colton post pressure wins to help UW pull off the 4-3 victory

MADISON, Wis. – If the season-opening match at Nielsen Tennis Stadium is any indication, it's going to be a thrilling season for Wisconsin men's tennis. The Badgers kicked off the season with a heart-pounding win over a highly-touted Valparaiso team, 4-3, on Saturday.

In men's singles, two freshmen – Daniel Soyfer and Chase Colton – led the charge for the Badgers with vital wins at a crucial point in the duel.

"It's unique to see two freshmen step up like that," head coach Danny Westerman said. "This just shows how tough they are, the belief they have in each other, and the confidence in one another to pick up this win today."

Tied 2-2 in the overall point total, Soyfer intensified the Badger squad and onlookers with a late break in the second set to give him a 7-6, 6-4 win over Brandon Ancona.

Colton paused for only a second to celebrate the Soyfer win. The freshman's match would be the last to finish, a three-set masterpiece with break after break.

After losing the first set 6-4, Colton broke Valparaiso's Kyle Dunn right back for a 6-4 second-set win. The third set was more decisive for Colton as he tallied a 6-2 set to clinch the overall Badger win.

Junior captain Lamar Remy picked up the other singles win for the Badgers with a 6-0, 6-3 throttling of Dave Bacalla.

In doubles, the Badgers earned their first "W" with a win from Remy and Colton. The duo earned a 6-4 win over Dave Bacalla and Chad Kissell.

Senior John Zordani and sophomore Osgar O'Hoisin collected the next doubles win for the Badgers with a 6-2 showing over Brandon Ancona and Dan Langston.

"We didn't play the best today but I think Valparaiso has a lot to do with that," Westerman finished. "We had enough guys do the right things to be able get the win today and that's team tennis. We'll get better as the season goes on."

The Badgers are back in action in the second match of the doubleheader, when they take on South Dakota State at 5 p.m. at Nielsen Tennis Stadium. Admission and parking is free.

Singles