Adams/Koch Advance to ITA Regional Quarterfinals

Oct. 18, 2014

Updated Singles Draw | Updated Doubles Draw

CARY, N.C. – South Carolina seniors Andrew Adams and Kyle Koch fought their way into the doubles quarterfinals in the ITA Carolina Regional at Cary Tennis Park Saturday afternoon, closing out the third day of play at the event. Koch shook off a tough three-set loss in the round of 16 singles to help keep the Gamecocks alive in the event.

The Gamecocks’ most efficient doubles team in dual-match action last season picked up right where it left off. Adams and Koch reached the quarterfinals of the SEC Fall Classic last month and powered through the first two rounds of the ITA Regional this week. Saturday’s round of 16 match against Kaue Periera and Phillipe Tsangarides of Coastal Carolina started out similarly with the Gamecock duo up 4-1 early. Periera and Tsangarides, both also seniors, battled back, though, to force a tiebreak. Adams and Koch rose to the challenge at crunch time, delivering the 8-7 (5) victory to move into the quarterfinals against No. 9 Ian Dempster and Robbie Mudge of NC State.

Singles action started Saturday’s play with Koch and senior Thiago Pinhero both facing ranked opponents in the round of 16. Pinheiro’s strong first tournament of the season ended in a 6-1, 6-3 loss to Mudge, who is ranked No. 99 in the nation.

Koch took on No. 30 Hunter Harrington of Clemson, pushing him to the limit. Harrington claimed the first set 6-4, but Koch answered with a 6-3 second-set win. The two rivals were in lockstep throughout the third set until Harrington scored a late service break to capture the set 7-5.

Adams and Koch, who are the Gamecocks’ second quarterfinalists at this event in as many seasons, return to the courts on Sunday with doubles action beginning at noon. A win over Dempter/Mudge would put the Gamecock duo into the semifinals Sunday afternoon.