Phillips/Smith Triumph in B Doubles; Ingram Falls in Finals of B Singles at John McWilliams Invitational
Montgomery, AL—Competing against a trio of Division III schools (host Huntingdon College, LaGrange College, and Oglethorpe University) and one NAIA school (Point University), the MMI Tigers held their own at the John McWilliams Invitational. Freshmen William Phillips and Preston Smith swept the field in B doubles, and sophomore Dominique Ingram made it to the finals in B singles. The two-day event (Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14) was held at Lagoon Park.
The team of Phillips and Smith scored three wins to take the B doubles draw. They defeated LaGrange College (8-5), Point University (8-4), and LaGrange College (8-2).
"William and Preston played solidly throughout the tournament," coach Wright said. "They seemed to get better with each round of play. They were thumping their serves and volleys, and they sent some of their forehands screaming down the line and cross court. And for two big kids, I was impressed by their touch, both lobs and volleys."
It was Dominique Ingram, however, who produced one surprise after another at the tournament. Ingram bested LaGrange College (6-2, 6-4), slid by Oglethorpe College (6-4, 7-5), and outlasted Point University (2-6, 6-4, 10-8). He lost in the finals to Oglethorpe College.
"Dom impressed me today with his fight," Wright said. "He gave it his all match after match. I thought it was a remarkable achievement for Dom to win two matches, but to win that third match—there are no words to describe that. Dom has made enormous strides since he first stepped on campus last year, and that's a tribute to him. I'm glad I took a chance on him. He has surprised the heck out of me. Now I'm trying to work on developing his personality. I'm joking, of course."
Another match that stood out occurred in the A doubles draw. Sean Dreher and Joseph Tanjuatco battled a veteran doubles pair from Point University. They fell 8-6 in a titanic struggle.
"Joseph and Sean played exceedingly well together," Wright said. "Sean just keeps after it—grinding, grinding, grinding. And Joseph was playing out of his mind. He was hitting circus shots. The most memorable one being a Matrix shot with his back turned to the incoming ball. How he hit that ball behind his back is anyone's guess, including Joseph's. That match was mesmerizing!"
The Tigers travel to the University of Montevallo on Saturday, September 21 to take on the Falcons in a 10:00 a.m. match