KONA, HI (February 17, 2013) – The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Tennis Team made an early season statement against West Region power and 21st ranked UC-San Diego. HPU was pushed in a couple matches but responded with a 9-0 win on a natural court in Kona.
 
The 5th ranked Sea Warriors took a 3-0 lead in the match after sweeping doubles play. Petr Michnev and Gerald Moretti played at first doubles for the first time this season and won 8-5. The duo of Max Hertl and Jaume Martinez-Vich were elevated to second doubles and also won 8-5. The team of Adriano Locorotondo and Maxime Halflants picked up their second victory in as many days at 8-6.
 
Two-time All-American Michnev was in for a battle with Carill Salomon and prevailed in the tiebreaker (6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (7)). No other Sea Warrior lost a set in singles play. Moretti made a successful season debut at third singles, winning 6-2, 6-3. Hertl cruised 6-0, 6-1 in his match.
 
"I'm very happy with the way our guys competed today. Again they showed great attitude and made every ball count, which ultimately showed in the final score. We made some necessary adjustments in doubles tactically and our players seemed to be more comfortable on the court, which allowed them to play a bit more relaxed and go for their shots. There's still a lot of things to improve on, but overall we can be very happy with the two strong wins this weekend," said head coach Hendrik Bode.
 
HPU is ranked first in the West Region and UCSD is third, the teams will play again on March 8th in San Diego. Up next for HPU is Division I Xavier University on February 27th at 9:00 AM at UH-Manoa.   
 
 
Doubles
1. Petr Michnev/Gerald Moretti (HPU) def. Carill Salomon/Devon Sousa (UCSD) 8-5
2. Max Hertl/Jaume Martinez-Vich (HPU) def. Kona Luu/Max Jiganti (UCSD) 8-5
3. Adriano Locorotondo/Maxime Halflants (HPU) def. Rajeev Herekar/ Teddy Truong 8-6
 
Singles
1. #8 Petr Michnev (HPU) def. Carill Salomon (UCSD) 6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (7)
2. Jaume Martinez-Vich (HPU) def. Max Jiganti (UCSD) 6-4, 6-2
3. Gerald Moretti (HPU) def. Rajeev Herekar (UCSD) 6-2, 6-3
4. Max Hertl def. Ganesh Alagappan (UCSD) 6-0, 6-1
5. Adriano Locorotondo def. Kona Luu 6-3, 6-0
6.  Clemens Graute def. Teddy Truong 6-4, 6-2