Blazers Beat Lynn for South Regional Championship

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Blazers beat the Fighting Knights of Lynn, 5-1, to clinch the NCAA Division II South Regional Championship and an opportunity to compete in nationals at Altamonte Springs, Fla. May 12-15.

After capturing a 2-1 lead in doubles action, the Blazers needed three points in singles play. Michael Kuech, playing in the sixth spot earned the first point, shortly followed by Daniel Dueren in the second slot. Philip Pakebusch, playing in the top spot, clinched the match for VSU on an ace.

Pakebusch beat Alessandro Sarra, 6-3, 6-4, while Dueren put away Tomas Racak, 6-4, 6-1. Kuech nearly swept Victor Teboul, 6-0, 6-1.

In doubles play, VSU earned both points in the first and second positions. Pakebusch and Kuech beat Sarra and Willi Wolfer, 8-2. Dueren and Christian Hansen were pushed by Alex Voirin and Luca Pavanelli, but pulled out the second Blazer point of the match, 9-7.

Valdosta State def. Lynn, 5-1 – 10 a.m.
Doubles
Philip Pakebusch/Michael Kuech (VSU) def. Alessandro Sarra/Willi Wolfer (LU), 8-2
Daniel Dueren/Christian Hansen (VSU) def. Alex Voirin/Luca Pavanelli (LU), 9-7
Tomas Racak/George Laffey (LU) def. Otto Lenhart/Frank Sickman (VSU), 9-7
Singles
Philip Pakebusch (VSU) def. Alessandro Sarra (LU), 6-3, 6-4
Daniel Dueren (VSU) def. Tomas Racak (LU), 6-4, 6-1
Michael Kuech (VSU) def. Victor Teboul (LU), 6-0, 6-1