Head Coach John Browning Comments On Chris Goodwin Becoming School's All-Time Leader In Singles Victories


The No. 2-ranked Emory men's tennis team won its third straight and 23^rd title over the past 25 years as it defeated No. 17-ranked Washington University in the finals of the University Athletic Association Championships.   The Eagles raised their overall record to 20-0 following an 8-1 verdict over the Bears who slipped to 15-6.  This year's UAAs were held at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Senior Chris Goodwin became the school's all-time leader in singles wins, notching his 100^th career victory with a 6-2, 6-2 decision over WU's Gary Parizher at the No. 2 spot.  Goodwin entered the day tied for the top with Gavin O'Connell (1987-91).  The win upped Goodwin's spring record to 12-0 (17-1 overall in 2011-12), 7-0 at No. 2. 

Emory captured all six singles matches, five in straight sets.  Senior Dillon Pottish nailed down his seventh straight win, boosting his overall record to 26-2 in the process, following a 6-2, 6-4 triumph against Adam Putterman at the No. 1 slot.   Playing at No. 3, freshman Brian Kowalski was extended to three sets before prevailing in a come-from-behind battle vs. Ross Putterman, 3-6, 7-6 (12-10), 10-7, his 13^th decision in 17 outings this spring.  Kowalski's fellow classmates all were successful as well in their singles bouts with Ian Wagner posting a 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 verdict over Kareem Farah at No. 4, Eric Halpern earning a 6-3, 7-5 outcome against Parker Chang at No. 5 and Alex Ruderman coming away with a 6-3, 6-4 victory at No.  6 over Tim Noack.  All totaled, the four rookies have combined to rack up an impressive 67-7 record this spring.

The Eagles entered singles action with a 2-1 advantage following the doubles portion of the match.  Emory's No. 2 team of junior Elliott Kahler and Wagner saw their record go to 16-3 this spring with an 8-5 win over Farah and Chang while Pottish and Kowalski hammered out an 8-2 triumph at No. 3, their 10^th in as many decisions.

With today's win, Emory clinches an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.   Head coach John Browning and his squad will hear about where they will be going and who they will be competing against in the national tournament on Monday, May 7, at www.ncaa.com.