The Big Ten men's tennis crown is yet again Ohio State's.The third-ranked team defeated eighth-ranked Illinois to win the Big Ten Tournament in Iowa City on Sunday. The win capped an undefeated season in Big Ten play.
No better feeling than lifting that trophy for the third consecutive season.#GoBucks
— Ohio State M Tennis (@OhioState_MTEN) April 29, 2018
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Ohio State took an early lead against the Illini with doubles victory. Matt Mendez and Hunter Tubert fell in the first doubles match to finish, but Mikael Torpegaard and John McNally evened the score with victory on the second court. JJ Wolf and Martin Joyce then cliched the doubles point with a 6-4 win.
In singles, the day started strong with every Buckeye winning his first set. Fifth-ranked Mikael Torpegaard was the first singles player to finish, defeating 16th-ranked Aleks Vukic at first singles. Next, JJ Wolf defeated Illinois' Aron Hiltzik 6-2, 6-3 at second singles. Finally, freshman John McNally delivered the clincher at third singles for the Buckeyes, defeating Alex Brown 6-2, 6-3.
With the sweep, the Buckeyes claim their third consecutive Big Ten Tournament title and 13th all-time title. The team is now 14-0 in the Big Ten and 29-2 overall this season.
After celebrating Big Ten victory, the team will immediately turn their attention to NCAA Championships. The Buckeyes made it to the semifinals last year. The team will attempt to go even farther this time around.
NCAA Tournament selections take place Tuesday night.
