Flushing, N.Y. - Seth Newman and Henry Ronnberg made history for the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Tennis program on Monday, as they became the first-ever Spartan duo to capture the ITA Division II Men's East Regional Doubles Championship at the four-day tournament held on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The two Spartans opened the Round of 32 by defeating Luis Devuyst and Zachary LaPlante from, Daemen University, 8-3. Next up was the Round of 16, where Newman and Ronnberg made quick work of Cameron Henricy Trigolos and Roni Rikkonen from conference foes Queens College, 8-2. Quarterfinal action saw the Spartans dispatch yet another ECC pair, with Louka Queguiner and Oskar Karos from the University of the District of Columbia bowing out to Seth and Henry, 8-5.
A three-set battle would then take place in the Semifinals, as Newman and Ronnberg got all they could handle from one of the region's top teams in Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU's Jesse Den Hartog and Cade Nadeau took the fight to the Spartans from the start, claiming the first set 6-4. However, the freshmen duo in maroon and gold were unfazed and went about their business with a workman-like demeanor, which helped them win the second set, 6-3. In the third and deciding set, it would be the Spartans who would get the last laugh, taking a 10-8 decision and advancing to the ITA East Region Doubles title match.
In the championship match, STAC faced off with yet another Southern New Hampshire pair, as Jonathan Berling and Melvin Nix were the last men standing in the way of destiny for both Seth Newman and Henry Ronnberg. The Spartan doubles team had a fight on their hands from start to finish, but were able to prevail over the Penmen, 7-5, 6-4 to take home the ITA East Region Doubles Crown.
COMPLETE ITA EAST REGIONAL RESULTS
THE ROCKHILL REPORT
The ITA tournament is a battle with many challenges", said Head Coach Dan Rockhill. "Winning two of the draws and advancing to the finals in a third is a huge accomplishment for our program."
"We are very proud of Ebba as she defeated some great players under difficult circumstances", said Rockhill. "She continues to be the jewel of the region and is excited to have an opportunity to compete with the best players in the division at the ITA Cup next month."
"Henry and Seth have achieved something very special", stated Rockhill. "Having arrived on campus as freshmen, just a few weeks ago, and playing at this elite level, is incredible. They are great young men and extremely coachable."
"Elita also had a great tournament", remarked Rockhill. "She defeated the tournament's 2nd, 27th and 13th seeded players on her way to the semifinals in singles and was a quarterfinalist with Jem in the doubles. Elita continues to develop and her all-court game is difficult to counter."
"It was a terrific weekend for STAC tennis", said Rockill. "There was good tennis on the courts and the teams were able to begin building their chemistry. We need a day off for sure, but I look forward to the upcoming fall season as the ECC is very strong this year."
UP NEXT
STAC (0-0, 0-0 ECC) visits West Chester University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, October 10. The Spartans and Golden Rams are set to square off at 2:00 p.m. in the Keystone State.