ITA Midwest Men's Tennis Regional Underway

Oct. 23, 2003

EAST LANSING, Mich. - A new season of fall weather at Michigan State meant one thing: the beginning of the 2003 ITA Omni Orrington Men's Tennis Midwest Championships. Thursday marked the first day of the tournament hosted by MSU as well as the first matches at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility for two Spartan freshmen.

Joseph McWilliams (Aurora, Ill.) kicked things off for Michigan State against DePaul's Sam Davidson in the singles qualifying draw. McWilliams demonstrated his strengths early by serving up an ace to win the first game. After Davidson held serve, McWilliams posted two break point conversions, including one at love, en route to capturing the next five games and the first set, 6-1.

Both players saw break point opportunities pass by in the opening games of the second set. With both players on-serve and Davidson in the lead 4-3, McWilliams added another ace to even the score, 4-4. The MSU freshman decided to end the tie, earning a triple break point and converting on his second chance for a 5-4 lead and eventually winning the match, 6-1, 6-4.

"It was my first time ever on those courts," said McWilliams. "I was worried more about playing well and getting my forehands in the court. On my serve, I was hoping my first serve was there so I could throw a little more juice on the second. Fortunately I was very confident with it today."

Meanwhile, freshman Michael Flowers (Memphis, Tenn.) had a tough time with Indiana's Tom Bagnato. Flowers, who will be teamed up with McWilliams in doubles competition Saturday, was forced into hitting shots from all over the court as Bagnato hit numerous forehand winners throughout the match. Unfortunately, Bagnato's groundstrokes were too much for Flowers in the 6-3, 6-3 MSU loss.

The singles qualifying draw will wrap up Friday with two rounds of action. McWilliams will take on Wisconsin's Alex Conti at 8 a.m., with the eight remaining players out of the original 64 receiving berths in the main draw that is set to begin Saturday.

Updated brackets can be found by clicking the ITA logo on the MSU front page or on the men's tennis home page.