In his first competition since joining the Illinois State mens tennis team, Guillermo Gomez won the D flight championship of the Ball State Invitational against Drakes Chris Lueth 6-2, 6-4, Sunday afternoon, in Muncie Ind.
To reach the finals Gomez ousted Toledos Josh Moran in straight sets in the semifinals 6-0, 7-5. Gomez was fortunate to get his championship match in before heavy rains led to the cancellation of the remaining matches. Gomezs title marks the second straight season that a Redbird has brought home a Ball State Invitational championship, as Djordje Uskokovic won the B flight championship at last years tournament.
Redbird Ben Pettinaris attempt to win the B flight championship was thwarted by the cancellation of these matches. After defeating Iowas Walter Valarezo 6-3, 6-4 in the B flight semifinals, Pettinari seemed primed to capture the Birds second title of the day, but late afternoon rains would put an end to his hopes for a championship.
Bloomington native freshman Tim Link had an impressive showing in his first tournament as a Redbird, as he made it to the semifinals of the D flight singles competition, before being eliminated by Lueth, 6-2, 6-7(8), 6-3.
The Birds return to action October 3-8 for the ITA All-American.
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