This past weekend, both the Arizona men’s tennis team and Arizona baseball team shone throughout their respective matchups, notching statement victories.
The No. 9 Arizona men’s tennis team dominated against Boise State University and Auburn University in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, sweeping both teams 4-0 to earn a spot in the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, the No. 21 Arizona baseball team swept Stanford University, outscoring the Cardinal 21-10 over its three matchups as the Wildcats collected their 10th straight conference home victory on Sunday, May 5.
Team of the Week:
Men’s tennis
The Arizona men’s tennis team hosted its first two rounds at LaNelle Robson Tennis Center. The Wildcats faced Boise State in the first round on Friday, May 3. Arizona battled early in doubles play, squeaking past the Broncos with back-to-back tiebreaker victories. In singles play, the Wildcats continued their outright domination against Boise State. No. 35 Jay Friend, Nick Lagaev and Casper Christensen each notched straight-set victories to help the Wildcats sweep Boise State.
Arizona repeated its electric opening-round performance the following day with an even more impressive showing against No. 24 Auburn. In doubles play, the Wildcats avoided any scares, cruising past the Tigers in both matchups. Singles play was more of the same, with more domination by Arizona. Herman Hoeyeraal delivered a straight-set victory in singles play, marking his program record 20th dual-match singles win of the 2024 season. Lagaev defeated his opponent in straight sets before No. 22 Colton Smith defeated No. 31 Tyler Stice to clinch the sweep over Auburn.
Team of the Week:
Baseball
The Arizona baseball team continued its red-hot play at home with a dominant weekend sweep against Stanford, moving into first place in the Pac-12 standings.
The Wildcats opened the series on Friday, May 5, with a 12-8 victory over the Cardinal. Garen Caulfield, Andrew Cain, Maddox Mihalakis and Blake McDonald each drove in 2 runs apiece, and Arizona never trailed in the high-scoring affair.
The following day, the Wildcats shut down the Stanford offense, winning 5-0. Clark Candiotti pitched a complete game shutout, striking out seven Stanford batters and surrendering only five hits. Candiotti’s outstanding performance was not only a feel-good moment but also Arizona head coach Chip Hale’s 100th career victory with the Wildcats in only his third season with the team.
In the series finale, the Wildcats overcame an early deficit to cruise past the Cardinal 7-2 and complete the sweep. Arizona starting pitcher Cam Walty delivered seven strong innings, allowing only 2 runs while striking out three Stanford batters. Meanwhile, Cain and Brendan Summerhill came up big for the Wildcats. Cain gave the Wildcats the lead with a 2-run double in the sixth inning before Summerhill blew the game open a few batters later with a bases-clearing double, giving Arizona a 7-2 lead.
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