Nov. 6, 2003

After a 6-0 Midwest Regional doubles title run, the duo of Michael Calkins and Chris Martin improved their season record to 7-0 today at the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships in Ann Arbor, Mich. In their first round of competition, the tandem beat Jordan Freitas and Mark Groucott of Tyler, 8-4. Tomorrow in quarterfinal action, the duo will have its hands full when facing No. 3-ranked (pre-season) Zoltan Csanadi and Izak van der Merwe from Old Dominion.

"They got off to a slow start," said Head Coach Craig Tiley. "The other team was playing loose, but Michael and Chris got the job done."

Calkins' day officially started in the early morning in the 32-player singles field. He was defeated by No. 18 William Barker of Rice, 6-4, 6-3. Even with the loss today, Calkins has won eight of his last 11 matches; two of those losses came against No. 20 Jeremy Wurtzman of Ohio State. Calkins will have a chance to rebound tomorrow in the consolation bracket when he will play Jesse Witten of Kentucky.

"Michael did not play particularly well," continued Tiley. "I have seen him play better matches this year, but he does have another opportunity tomorrow."

Thursday's Results:
(For complete bracket results visit http://www.itatennis.com on line.)

Singles:
#18 William Baker (Rice) def. #62 Michael Calkins (ILL), 6-4, 6-3

Doubles:
Michael Calkins/Chris Martin (ILL) def. Jordan Freitas/Mark Groucott (Tyler), 8-4