Auburn picked up another win over a ranked team Sunday, defeating No. 34 Middle Tennessee 4-2 at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.
Freshman Maxwell Giddens clinched the match in a third-set tiebreaker, taking a 7-4 advantage over Pavel Motl on court six to win 6-1, 0-6, 7-6. Giddens was one of five Tigers to take their matches into the third set Sunday against the Blue Raiders.
"My biggest concern was how would we rebound after a top 25 win on the road Friday against our in-state rival," Auburn coach Bobby Reynolds said, referencing Friday's 4-3 win at No. 25 Alabama. "But we played well in doubles, so that gave me confidence we weren't going to vary from what has gotten us success this season. We had a lot of opportunities and we stuck to what we do to get the doubles point.
"I give a lot of credit to Middle Tennessee; they play with the confidence of a ranked team, but our guys matched them today and then took advantage in the third sets. Max rolled his ankle midway through the match, but he was committed to what he needed to do to finish the match, and he pulled it out for the team, which really speaks to his energy level and passion. For us to win in third sets in the one and two spots I though was very tough, but Tyler and Tim got it done.
"When you look back on a match that had five matches in third sets, you've got to have success in those sets and we did. That's where our work in the fall and especially our conditioning came into play, and we had confidence toward the end of the third sets."
Auburn continued its dominant play in doubles, picking up the team point for the 11th time this season. Tyler Stice and Jan Galka quickly picked up a 6-1 victory over Max Rauch and Francisco Rocha. Auburn's top tandem of Tad Maclean and Finn Murgett then clinched the doubles point with a 6-3 win over Pavel Motl and Stijn Slump.
As singles began, the Tigers got first-set wins from Giddens, Tim Dollman and Finn Murgett. Dollman got Auburn's first victory in singles, winning in three sets 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 over Tom Moonen on court two, and just moments later, Tyler Stice, playing on court one, added another point for Auburn with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Francisco Rocha on court one, setting up Giddens' opportunity to clinch the match.
The Tigers are now 6-7 while Middle Tennessee drops to 9-4.
Auburn continues its homestand on Friday, hosting #3 Tennessee at 2 p.m. in an SEC contest, one of four home matches next weekend for the men's and women's teams. All Auburn home tennis action is at the Yarbrough Tennis Center (1717 Richland Road, Auburn). Fans wearing face coverings are welcome to attend all matches played outdoors; fans may want to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating to remain socially distanced. If weather moves the match indoors, only participants and officials will be admitted.
Auburn 4, Middle Tennessee 2
Singles
Tyler Stice (AU) def. Francisco Rocha (MT) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
Tim Dollman (AU) def. Tom Moonen (MT) 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
Stijn Slump (MT) def. Tad Maclean (AU) 6-3, 5-7, 6-1
Jan Galka (AU) v Chris Edge (MT) def. Jan Galka (AU) 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)
Finn Murgett (AU) v Max Rauch (MT) 6-4, 5-7, 3-3 unfinished
Maxwell Giddens (AU) v Pavel Motl (MT) 6-1, 0-6, 7-6 (7-4)
Doubles
Tad Maclean/Finn Murgett (AU) def. Pavel Motl/Stijn Slump (MT) 6-3
Tom Wright/Maxwell Giddens (AU) v Tom Moonen/Chris Edge (MT) 4-5 unfinished
Jan Galka/Tyler Stice (AU) def. Max Rauch/Francisco Rocha (MT) 6-1
Time of match: 3:00; Order of finish: Doubles: 3,1; Singles: 4,2,1,3,6; Official: Donna Jerome