Texas Tech University Athletics
Escobar Falls To Duke's Cunha In Sweet Sixteen
May 25, 2012 | Men's Tennis
Gonzalo Escobar lost to Henrique Cunha in three sets on Friday.
May 25, 2012
ATHENS, Ga. - Gonzalo Escobar's run for a national championship came to an end, as the Ecuadorian senior lost a three-set battle to Duke's Henrique Cunha, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, on Friday at the 2012 NCAA Men's Singles Championships at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.
Escobar, who is ranked No. 40 nationally, took the first set, 6-4, over the nation's No. 5 Cunha, who was the third lefty that the Texas Tech senior had faced in three days.
But Cunha tied the match at one set apiece, when he pulled away with a 6-2 win in the second. Cunha jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the third and eventually won 6-1 to advance to the Elite Eight of the Championships.
"Gonzalo was leading 6-4, 2-2 and had four game points, but Cunha really raised his level as the match went on," said Texas Tech head coach Tim Siegel. "Gonzalo just completed the greatest tennis career in Texas Tech history. I could not be prouder of his effort today and over the last four years."
Escobar closed out his singles career with a Texas Tech record 99 career wins in singles. He is a two-time ITA Texas Regional champion and a three-time All-Big 12 honoree. By advancing to the Sweet Sixteen, he earned the second All-America singles honor in program history.
2012 NCAA Men's Singles Championships
Friday, May 25, 2012
Round of 16
#6 Henrique Cunha (DUKE) def. #40 Gonzalo Escobar (TT), 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
Players Mentioned
