Despite a tough loss from senior Anthony Jackson, the Michigan
men’s tennis team added another decisive win to its record.
Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Toledo was fueled by solid
performances from the younger Wolverines (5-0 overall).
Freshman Steve Peretz was solid, stepping up to the No. 4 spot
from his usual home at No. 5. The switch didn’t bother the
freshman, as he quickly dismantled Toledo’s Cristobal Toral,
6-2, 6-1.
“I was very happy with how I played,” Peretz
said.
Peretz got the nod in place of freshman Brian Hung, who was
sitting out after playing a match in the Davis Cup in Hong Kong
during the week.
Junior David Anving, sophomore Carey Rubin and freshman Ryan
Heller all earned wins in their respective singles matches.
Heller’s match was cut short after back problems sidelined
his opponent, Todd Wojtkowski.
“We’ve got nine guys who can play,” Michigan
coach Mark Mees said. “Regardless of who they are or what
spot we put them in, I expect them to compete and win.”
Junior Michael Rubin bounced back from a disappointing day
against Wake Forest. He put forth a dominant performance over
Khalid Al Nabhani en route to a 6-1, 6-4 win. Rubin consistently
frustrated Al Nabhani, and at the end of the first set, Al Nabhani
shattered his racket out of frustration.
“I could tell he was getting a little frustrated because I
was playing so well,” Rubin said. “I was taking him out
of the match, basically.”
The win is Rubin’s 20th dual-match win in his singles
career. Junior Vinny Gossain also earned his 20th win in doubles
play. Carey Rubin notched his 20th-career singles win in the No. 6
spot.
Jackson was the only Wolverine to struggle Saturday, dropping
his match to Freddy Gomez, 7-5, 6-4.
“Obviously, losing that last match with Anthony was
disappointing,” Mees said. “I know Anthony was
disappointed.”