March 5, 2009

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State men's tennis sweeps Idaho State, 7-0, Thursday at the Logan Sports Academy and Racquet Club. USU previously defeated ISU in Pocatello, Idaho, 6-1, Jan. 29. The Aggies are now 6-4 on the season.

"I thought we moved very well in doubles. It's a talented team, so for us to do well in doubles it comes down to us being willing to move and be aggressive in our mindset," Head Coach Christian Wright said. "In singles, it was steady. We did a good job. There were a few hiccups here and there, little ups and downs, but we came through and got the win."

The Aggies dominated in single play, taking all six points. At the number one spot, sophomore Jakob Asplund defeated ISU's Javier Royo, 6-1, 6-3. USU junior Amit Maharaj battled through three sets to defeat the Bengals' Alex Buceta, 6-1, 6-7, 10-5, at the number three spot. At the number six spot, Aggie freshman Jordan Barlow, who is now 6-3 in single action thus far, crushed ISU's Andres Mancero, 6-1, 6-0.

Utah State also dominated play in doubles action, taking the point with wins at all three spots. At the number one spot, USU's Asplund and sophomore Bryan Marchant defeated ISU's Royo and Ross Dechant, 8-4. Aggie senior Mike Banks and Barlow improved their double record to 6-3 with a win at the number three spot over the Bengals' Dan Buckingham and David Kutchins, 8-1.

Utah State resumes action in Portland, Ore. with two days of play March 13 and 14 against Portland State and Seattle University, respectively.

Utah State 7, Idaho State 0

Singles
1. Jakob Asplund (USU) def. Javier Royo (ISU), 6-1, 6-3
2. Bryan Marchant (USU) def. Danel Barrenechea (ISU), 6-3, 6-4
3. Amit Maharaj (USU) def. Alex Buceta (ISU), 6-1, 6-7, 10-5
4. Mike Banks (USU) def. Ross DeChant (ISU), 6-3, 6-4
5. Alex Thatcher (USU) def. Dan Buckingham (ISU), 6-2, 6-3
6. Jordan Barlow (USU) def. Andres Mancero (ISU), 6-1, 6-0

Doubles
1. Asplund/Marchant (USU) def. Royo/DeChant (ISU), 8-4
2. Maharaj/Thatcher (USU) def. Barrenechea/Buceta (ISU), 8-4
3. Banks/Barlow (USU) def. Buckingham/David Kutchins (ISU), 8-1