Strength in the middle of the order propelled Incarnate Word to a 5-4 win at St. Edward’s in a crucial Heartland Conference matchup in Austin on Friday.
While both squads are ranked nationally, UIW at 18 and SEU at 19, the match had more immediate implications. These two likely will be seeded at the top in the late-April Heartland championship tournament. This win could well propel the Cardinals to the top seed. Plus, it was a major match up in the South Central region where records are prominent in receiving bids to the regional tournament in May. This win puts UIW at 7-1 in the region, 5-0 in the Heartland and 12-3 overall.
St. Edward’s got a quick start with a 2-1 margin in doubles as the only Cardinals win was at number one where Francisco Segura and Jose Arizpe prevailed.
SEU’s Ned Boone made it 3-1 for the Hilltoppers by winning over Segura at number one singles.
Then the Cardinals mid-lineup strength kicked in. Arizpe won a three-setter at number three, Alex Wieland prevailed in a three-setter at number four to draw Incarnate Word even at 3-3.
Continuing, Carlos Olvera won in straight sets at number five before Max Moreau finished the deal with a strong comeback at number two singles. Moreau dropped the first set 6-3 before returning in the second set to win 6-4. Gaining momentum and confidence Moreau blitzed Brett Powers in the third set by 6-0 to put the capper on the win.
DOUBLES
1) Francisco Segura-Jose Arizpe, UIW, d. Boris Barrios-Mick Walter, SEU, 8-6
2) Ned Boone-Brett Powers, SEU, d. Max Moreau-Alex Wieland, UIW, 8-4
3) Justin RaitI-Ryan Wiggins, SEU, d. Carlos Olvera-Aiden DeLeon, UIW, 8-2
SINGLES
1) Boone, SEU, d. Segura, UIW, 7-5, 6-0
2) Moreau, UIW, d. Powers, SEU, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0
3) Arizpe, UIW, d. Raiti, SEU, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2
4) Wieland, UIW, d. Walter, SEU, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2
5) Olvera, UIW, d. Bernard Lancaster, SEU, 6-4, 7-6
6) Barrios, SEU, d. Pierce Brandan, UIW, 6-2, 6-2
RECORDS:
Incarnate Word 12-3 (5-0)
St. Edward’s 6-8 (2-1