Men's Tennis Upsets Indiana

Friday, February 13

Louisville, Ky.

11:00 AM

University of Louisville

INDIANA

Ecarma concentrated on the mental aspects of Johnson's game this week and it paid off as he clinched the doubles point and the match in singles.

February 13, 2004 | Men's Tennis

Feb. 13, 2004

Freshman Damar Johnson won in both singles and doubles, including the match-clinching point to lead the No. 61-ranked University of Louisville to a 4-3 upset win over regional rival Indiana at the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center Friday.

"We have to win these kinds of matches to stay in the running for NCAA Tournament consideration," said U of L head coach Rex Ecarma.

The Cardinals took the doubles point after sweeping the Hoosiers. Matt Mayer and Jeremy Clark paired to beat Ryan Recht and John Stone 8-6 at No. 1. Octavian Nicodim and Jakob Gustaffson rolled 8-4 over Jakub Praibis and Dymtro Ishtuganov. Johnson and Javier Herrera staved off IU's Bull McCarthy and Neil Kenner 9-7 at No. 3.

"After two 4-3 heartbreaking losses to very good teams, we spent this week focusing mainly on the mental side of tennis and the doubles point. We met with each player individually and walked them through how they should end their match," explained Ecarma, whose team is now 4-4. "We spent an extra amount of time on Damar Johnson. He and his partner clinched the doubles point and came back from behind to clinch the entire match by winning the fourth and deciding point."

In singles, sophomore Jhonny Berrido beat Neil Kenner 6-4, 6-4 at No. 3. Jakob Gustafsson squeaked by Tom Bagnato 7-5, 6-4 at No. 5. Johnson held on to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 at No. 4 to win the match.

"Freshmen and sophomores led us to victory," said Ecarma.

Louisville 4, Indiana 3SinglesJakub Praibis (I) def. Octavian Nicodim (L) 7-5, 61Ryan Recht (I) def. Matt Mayer (L) 6-4, 6-3Jhonny Berrido (L) def. Neil Kenner (I) 6-4, 6-4Damar Johnson (L) def. Bull McCarthy (I) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6Jakob Gustafsson (L) def. Tom Bagnato (I) 7-5, 6-4John Stone (I) def. Jeremy Clark (L) 3-6, 7-6, 7-6
DoublesMayer/Clark def. Recht/Stone 8-6Nicodim/Gustafsson def. Ishtuganov/Praibis 8-4Johnson/Herrera def. McCarthy/Kenner 9-7