Notes & Quotes: #16 Michigan 4, #17 Texas Tech 2
5/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
N O T E S
With today's win, Michigan moves on to the NCAA Sweet 16for the first time since 1988. That year, the Wolverines reached the semifinals of the national tournament.
Today's victory moved U-M's record to 20-6, marking the program's second straight 20-win campaign. Michigan accomplished the feat just one previous time (1987-88).
Today's match marked the first-ever meeting between Michigan and Texas Tech.
The Wolverines hold a 3-2 record in NCAA Championship play under head coach Bruce Berque.
Michigan concluded the 2008 season with a 11-1 record at the Varsity Tennis Center.
With hismatch-clinching victory, Andrew Mazlin became the first Wolverine to reach 20 dual-match wins this year (20-5).
With their win at No. 2, Jason Jung and Mike Sroczynski became the first U-M doubles team to reach 20 overall victories in 2007-08 (20-9).
Michigan will meet No. 1-ranked Virginia in the NCAA Sweet16 on Friday (May 16). U-M dropped a 5-2 decision to the Cavaliers earlier this season (Feb. 3). The Wolverines hold a 3-9 all-time record against Virginia.
Q U O T E S
Michigan Head Coach Bruce Berque
On the magnitude of today's win... "It wasa big win for the program. I always talk about taking little steps and improving, which we've done each year. I feel that getting to the Sweet16 is a little bit more than one step. It's a big milestone for the program and I'm really happy for our guys. They needed to play extremely well and be at their toughest, and they did that today. I told them after the match that the combination of the competitive effort on all six courts, the level of play in both singles and doubles against a quality opponent in a big moment with a total team effort from everyone, on and off the court, makes this the biggest win since I've been here."
Ontoday's strong doubles play... "It was terrific. We're definitely capable and have the skills to play that way every time. I sensed that there wasa different look in their eyes when I talked to them last night. It really seemed like they were on board with what we were asking them to do. We were all over Texas Tech from the beginning. In their defense, they were probably a little uncomfortable with playing indoors because it's something they don't usually do. We jumped on them right at the beginning and stayed with it."
On theplay of George Navas... "I'm really proud and happy with the wayGeorgehasbeen playing, competing and improvingover the last month. He's much more positive with himselfon the court. He's been a great teamplayer and vocal leader in practice. He's just been fun to be around and he's competing really well."
Onwatching the teamcelebrate a special moment... "I was just happy and relieved. It was something I was pushing for since we started the season. This has always been my outcome goal for the team. Iknew we were capable of reaching this goal. I was happy watching them jump on top of each other. They really earned it because of the way they prepared and practiced the past week. I was most happy because they did what was asked of them today. We asked them to come out like crazed animals, and I think anyone that was watching would agree that they did just that."
U-M Senior Matko Maravic
On advancing to the NCAA Team Championship... "It's absolutely amazing. I'm so happy for our team to be able to advance to the Sweet16 and see that level of competition. We all know that we have a tough draw, but it will be good for us to see how it is to play at a neutral site against every team except for Tulsa. It's a great experience. I was there with Brian (Hung) last year and learned alot. We have a tough draw, but I think we'll enter the match with a lot of confidence. I think Virginia will feel more pressure. We played a close match against them earlier this season. We're really looking forward to the challenge."
Onwhat this win does for the program... "We've now proven that we're one of the top 16 teams in the country. People can now see how much progress this program has made over the last four years. We didn't make the NCAA Championship four years ago, and now we're in the round of 16. "
Onplaying in front of a loudhome crowd... "I really didn't pay attention to it. A lot ofpeople told me it was a big and crazy crowd.I was just so focused on the match. We all came out more focused than usual, especially in doubles. It was amazing how we started the match. I told the guys to just go out there, believe in each other and have fun. I also think playing indoors gave us a lot of confidence. We feel very comfortable on our indoor courts."
Ongetting abig victory in his final home match... "It's definitely nice that we won.Maybe a small part of me wanted to finish my match, either in singlesor doubles. It's a teamsport, and I just care about getting those four points. I will definitely remember that I was leading and had a good chance at getting another point if we needed it."
Onthe continued strong play of Andrew Mazlin... "He's clutch. He comes up with the big wins when the team needs it most. He's just done a tremendous job of stepping up. I hope he pushes himself next year. I really see the potential and talent for him to play even higher in the lineup. He played the majority of the year at No. 4, now he's winning at No. 3. He's done a great job and he's very confident in his game right now."
U-M Junior Andrew Mazlin
On having the opportunity to clinch the match... "It felt great to come back and get the match-clinching win. I was struggling a bit at the end of the second set but pulled through in the third. I knew that I was in control of the match. I could tell my opponent was feeling the pressure and was a little tired. I just wanted to take advantage of that and play more aggressively."
Players Mentioned
