Oct. 4, 2004
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The amazing run of freshman Max Jones continued today at the ICY HOT/ITA All-American Qualifying Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn as he defeated 79th ranked Gwinyai Chingoka of SMU, a 17th seed, 6-0, 6-4 in the Round of 128. Also taking down a nationally ranked opponent, senior David Kowalski cruised past Duke’s Jason Zimmerman, ranked 74th and seeded 9th in the tournament, 6-3, 6-3.
Jones worked his way into the Qualifying Tournament after starting in the Round of 258 at the Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
“It is nice to see a freshman like Max doing so well,” said head coach Alan Dils. “He has won five of his last six matches and did a good job today against a ranked opponent. He is getting a second chance and it is great to see him making the best of it. He has played better in every tournament we’ve participated in this year.”
Kowalski, who just entered the ICY HOT/ITA All-American Tournament in the Qualifying Rounds, has jumped out to a great start in his senior season. Kowalski is 5-2 in singles overall after a 3-0 start in the New Mexico State Aggie Invitational.
Kowalski paired with classmate Ryan Stotland for a win in doubles as well. The duo, ranked 24th nationally and seeded third in the tournament, netted an 8-4 win over Illinois’ Pramod Dabir and Monte Tucker. Dabir is also ranked nationally (52nd) when partnered with Chris Martin.
“There is a lot of tennis left and we are taking it day by day,” Dils said. “The experience we are getting now, win or lose, will definitely help us later this season. But so far, the results are good.”
Kowalski will take the court first for the Lobos tomorrow, facing SMU’s Peter Oredsson at 9 a.m. Jones follows at 11 a.m. against Luigi D’Agord of Alabama. Stotland and Kowalski take on Louisville’s Jeremy Clark (ranked 46th with Slavko Radman) and Damar Johnson at 12 p.m.
ICY HOT/ITA ALL-AMERICAN QUALIFYING RESULTS
SINGLES
Round of 128
David Kowalski (UNM) def. Jason Zimmerman (Duke) 6-3, 6-3
Max Jones (UNM) def. Gwinyai Chingoka (Ala.) 6-0, 6-4
DOUBLES
Round of 64
Kowalski – Stotland (UNM) def. Dabir – Tucker (Ill.) 8-4