FORT WORTH, Texas – Two seniors from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi are headed into the round of 32 at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Texas Regionals as
Kevin Bettendroffer and
Paul Cook each earned victories Friday to move into Saturday's action.
Cook's effort highlighted the day as he rallied all the way back from a set down to move into the round of 32. The Islander was in control of the first set against Takeru Watanabe from UTSA, leading 5-3 before Watanabe won four straight games to steal the set.
Cook, however, was unfazed. Playing with the grit and calmness one would expect from a four-year veteran, he completed a dominating comeback dropping just two games the rest of the match. Cook stormed back with 6-0 and 6-2 sets to advance.
After his first round victory, Cook advanced to the round of 32 by way of walkover as Jordi Arconada withdrew from the event.
"I'm very proud of Paul," said Director of Tennis Steven Moore. "He lost a first tough set and rather than getting down on himself, dug his heels in and fought back with great courage. He really showed the qualities of a senior captain today. I'm very proud of the maturity he's shown to stay in the present and control the present point. It's easy to say but hard to do and Paul did it today."
Fellow senior
Kevin Bettendroffer also grinded his way into the round of 32 set for Saturday morning. As the 18 seed at the event, Bettendroffer received a first round bye this morning. That bye advanced him to the second round for a matchup with Elliot Johnstone of UT Rio Grande Valley.
Bettedroffer dispatched Johnstone in straight sets, winning 6-2, 6-1 to move on in the regionals.
"Kevin did not play his best tennis," said Moore, "but he was tough and scrappy and found a way to win. I'm very happy with what I saw from these two seniors today."
Both Cook and Bettendroffer return to action Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. in the round of 32 at the ITA Texas Regionals.
