OWATONNA, Minn. – The Carleton College men's tennis team rallied for a 5-2 victory over Luther College as
Zach Leslie notched wins in both singles and doubles. The top four singles matches all required super tiebreakers.
"Like an electron, Zach defies fundamental physical understanding, but both can fill a lot of space," said Carleton head coach
Stephan Zweifel.
Luther (14-3) entered the day ranked No. 42 in the nation and owner of a seven-match win streak. Carleton (15-5) is listed at No. 53 in the most recent ITA rankings.
The Knights grabbed the early lead in doubles with a 6-1 victory by Leslie and
Yihe Zhang and the second slot, but the Norse recovered thanks to a 6-3 win atop the flight and secured the doubles point thanks to a 7-6 (7-2) result at the third spot.
All six matches were tight battles.
Jack Rivkin got the Knights on the board with his 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) win at No. 5 singles.
Owen Heidtke added to the Carleton point total with his 7-4, 6-4 triumph at No. 6 singles.
Ezra Bernhard earned his team-best 16th win of the season with a 6-1, 4-6 1-0 (10-2) victory at the fourth slot, but Luther answered with a 6-7 (6-8), 6-1, 1-0 (10-6) win at No. 1 singles.
Baiyun Jing clinched the team victory for Carleton as he rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 (11-9) triumph at No. 2 singles, his 15th win on the year. Leslie closed the day with his 5-7, 6-4, 1-0 (10-8) victory at the third slot.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton hosts crosstown rival St. Olaf College for a 4:15 p.m. match on Monday, April 13.
