Jackets Slip Up in Non-Conference Clash

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance dropped its final match of the regular season on Wednesday, falling by a 5-4 count in an exciting match against Huntington. The match was the final home contest for seniors Tim Kurtz, Aaron Cottos and Adam Fausey. 

The Yellow Jackets continued their season-long trend of playing well in the doubles competition and scored wins at No. 2 and No. 3 to take a 2-1 advantage entering singles play. 

Huntington knotted the score up at 4-4 by taking wins at No. 1, No. 4 and No. 6 singles to counter Tyler Ault's and Lachmond Bratton's victories at No. 2 and No. 5. That set the stage for the final and decisive match at No. 3, where Austin Kleman and Jameel Brenneman battled back and forth through three grueling sets. Brenneman finally pulled out the 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory to give the team win to Huntington. 

Defiance (14-7, 6-2 HCAC) will compete for the HCAC Championship this weekend in Indianapolis. The Jackets will enter the HCAC Tournament as the No. 3 seed and will take on No. 6 Anderson on Saturday at 11:00 pm in their opening round contest. 

Huntington def. Defiance; 5-4

Doubles

No. 1 – G. Vivas/M. Vivas (HU) def. Kurtz/Kleman; 9-8
No. 2 – Ty. Ault / Fausey (DC) def. Ja. Brenneman/Jo Brenneman; 9-8
No. 3 – Tr. Ault/Bratton (DC) def. McDonald/Cable; 8-2 

Singles

No. 1 – Gonzalo Vivas (HU) def. Tim Kurtz; 6-1, 6-2
No. 2 – Tyler Ault (DC) def. Martin Vivas; 6-0, 6-1
No. 3 – Jameel Brenneman (HU) def. Austin Kleman; 4-6, 7-5, 7-5
No. 4 – Jon Brenneman (HU) def. Adam Fausey; 6-0, 6-0
No. 5 – Lachmond Bratton (DC) def. Matt Cable; 3-6, 6-1, 6-4
No. 6 – Keaton McDonald (HU) def. Aaron Cottos; 6-2, 7-6