For the second time this season, Texas was able to handle Rice, this time to the tune of a 6-1 win on Friday. Texas has now beaten the Owls by a combined score of 10-1 when combining Friday’s result with the match in January.
The match began as many have this season — Texas claimed the doubles point. The duo of sophomores Chris Camillone and Daniel Whitehead got a quick 8-3 win.
“Chris Camillone was terrific in doubles, and that was good to see,” said Texas head coach Michael Center.
The Longhorns then clinched the doubles point with a win from their top tandem of senior Ed Corrie and junior Jean Andersen. Corrie and Andersen’s 8-4 win gave Texas the lead heading into singles play.
Texas’ 1-0 lead quickly grew to 3-0 after two straight-set wins from Whitehead and Andersen.
“We’re playing better tennis,” Center said, “We’re sustaining our level better, and that was evident with the scores.”
All five of Texas’ singles wins came in straight sets. Corrie secured the match with a 6-3 win playing in the No. 2 spot against the Owls. Senior Kellen Damico was playing in the first position on Friday and was able to take Rice’s top singles player. Sophomore Vasko Mladenov won the final point of the match, limiting the Owls to just one.
“We were able to win some straight-set matches. There were some really outstanding performances today,” Center said.
