University of Tennessee Athletics
Martin Claims First Title of Tennessee Career
October 20, 2002 | Men's Tennis
Oct. 20, 2002
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- University of Tennessee freshman netter Rawl Martin showed no signs of youth or inexperience Sunday at the South Carolina Fall Invitational.
The Memphis native looked more like a collegiate hardcourt veteran as he captured the "B-2" singles championship. Martin's Volunteer teammate, Wade Orr, also looked strong, earning a spot in his draw's consolation final.
Martin began the day by outlasting UNC Charlotte sophomore Jonathan Clark in the "B-2" singles semifinal by a score of 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. Then, in his first collegiate finals appearance, Martin put on a dominating performance, convincingly defeating Rice University sophomore Take Morita 6-1, 6-2.
After falling victim to an opening round upset in the "A-1" singles draw, Orr, the No. 5 seed, displayed solid character throughout the weekend as he fought his way to the consolation finals.
In the consolation semis, Orr faced the No. 7 seed, Ruben Zrihen, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Orr grabbed the victory en route to the consolation final, where he met Lander University's Carl Hesser. Despite a valiant effort by Orr, Hesser notched a 6-2, 6-7, 10-7 victory over the Vol junior.
"I was really pleased with the results from the Tennessee guys today," Tennessee head coach Michael Fancutt said. "I was especially impressed by Rawl Martin, who won his first (title) at Tennessee. I also think Wade (Orr) played some of the best tennis I've seen him play."
Tennessee's next action will come at the Omni Hotels Southeast Championships. The event runs from Oct. 25 - Oct. 28, with the University of Kentucky playing host.
Players Mentioned
