We are off and running.  Like a morning with a beautiful sunrise, we were able to start our defense of the Master U BNP Paribas Championships with a decisive 6-1 quarterfinal victory over Ireland. To say the least, this match was daunting (like swimming in a jungle river which could have dangerous piranha and crocodiles lurking on the bottom. We were apprehensive, for the travel problems getting to Aix en Provence could have been a setback, but our young men and women arose to the challenge with exciting and confident play. 

 

Tomorrow is going to be another wonderful challenge for we have the home team of France ravishingly  waiting with for us in the semifinals with figurative forks and knifes in hand. Robin Anderson (#2) quickly gave the Americans a lead with a display of artistry with a 6-1, 6-1 win. Sabrina Santamaria at #1 had a rougher road to traverse when she met the inspired and feisty Irishwoman. She fell to the Irish gal 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 which was decided by laser like shots fired out of a cannon in a match closer than Siamese twins. When our men took the courts, there was no looking back.  They were on a mission to uphold the legacy that the past American have established the past four years. #1 Peter Kobelt won 6-2, 6-3 dominated by his booming serve and scorching ground strokes (against a player with a similar game). #2 Marcos Giron breezed to a 6-2, 6-0 victory.

 

The matches then went to doubles, where are women doubles team of Robin Anderson/Lauren Herring clinched the team match with a 6-4, 6-1. The men's team of Peter Kobelt and Mitchell Frank were almost perfect with a display of doubles unity with a 6-1, 6-36-2, 6-4  pounding. The final nail in the victory was a sterling 6-2, 6-4 win by Mitchell Frank and Sabrina Santamaria. 

 

Tomorrow brings us our biggest challenge when we face our constant foe the French team (the French had a great 4-3 upset win over the #3 Chinese team).  We have defeated the French team in the finals in 2009 and 2011 and fell to them in 2010. They look to have one of the strongest teams that we have ever faced, so we know that tomorrow is not going to be a walk in the park. Couple this with the avid French tennis fans here in Aix en Provence, and we know that this match is going to be a thriller on the par of a Hitchcock movie.

 

Coach Augustus and I welcome the match. Our players have a resolve of the Navy Seals. To be honest, we are excited about the challenge tomorrow and the wonderful opportunity to be able to reach our fifth straight championship match if we win tomorrow.

 

Go USA!

-- 

Greg Patton

Boise State Mens Tennis Coach

1910 University Dr 

Boise, ID 83725

cell 208 484-2432

 

Mountain West Champions   2012, 2013

WAC TENNIS CHAMPIONS

2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009

gpatton@boisestate.edu

www.broncosports.com