CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – On the final day of the Islander Open presented by Kevin W. Liles, PC – Trial Lawyer, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi took home a pair of titles as the senior duo of
Mitchell Cook and
Paul Cook captured the doubles title while
Jelena Dzinic took home the women's singles crown.
"I'm really proud and happy we got this tournament and the way it continues to elevate for this community," said Director of Tennis
Steve Moore. "This is about much more than just the college teams. A tournament like this brings a lot to so many people in this city and to our university. I cannot thank Kevin Liles enough for being our title sponsor and I cannot thank Hester's Café for providing all the great food. I say every year this is the best tennis community in the nation, but today I believe it's that plus another five percent."
DOUBLE THE EXCITEMENT
In the match of the day, the Islanders double team of Paul and
Mitchell Cook pulled out a 7-5 victory over Logan Powell and Sebastian Santibanez of Lamar.
"The Cooks were strong," said Moore. "They were really impressive. There are kids that you want to succeed because they are such good high-character kids and I would put both Paul and Mitchell in that category. Everyone loves them and respects their work ethic and commitment to the team. To see them rise up in their hometown tournament and play so well is really fulfilling."
The Cooks jumped out to an early lead, moving up a break to take a 5-2 advantage. Lamar was able to break back however and closed within 5-4 while holding serve.
Playing a six-game pro set, the Islanders earned a match point opportunity at deuce with Lamar serving at 5-4. The Cardinals escaped to extend the match, but the Islanders were unfazed.
Paul Cook served to take the Islanders to a 6-5 advantage in the match. Needing a break to win, the two Cooks once again reached match point at deuce in the final set. This time, the Islander duo pulled out the thrilling victory as Lamar's shot caught the net for the final point.
DZINIC WINS BATTLE OF ISLANDERS
In an all-Islanders women's final,
Jelena Dzinic knocked off teammate
Judit Vives in straight sets.
Both Dzinic and Vives rolled into the finals by winning each of their matches in straight sets on the weekend. The pair were also part of a trio of Islanders to reach the semifinals.
In Sunday's final, Dzinic captured the first set quickly, before the second became a battle. Dzinic broke Vives early to take a 2-1 lead, but the two would trade games from there. At 5-4, Dzinic held serve to capture the title.
"Those girls worked super-hard in the summer," said Moore. "I think Judit played every tournament there was in Spain. Jelena came back and I could tell she added new pieces to her game. It's hard playing your teammate because you're used to cheering for them, but they got out there and battled. They've both improved so much, I'm just really proud of Judit and Jelena and excited for what the future holds for them."
PAIR OF RUNNER-UPS
In the other two finals, the Islanders finished second as
Kevin Bettendroffer fell to Jamie Malik of Rice in Sunday's final. Malik upended Bettendroffer in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-4.
In Saturday's women's doubles final, the pairing of
Alexandra Belle and
Louise Trigona finished second as they fell to the duo of Buchta and Elfving from Lamar.
UP NEXT
The Islanders will host their Mercedes Benz Fundraiser Tournament next Saturday at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center.
