No. 3 Tennessee overpowers UH

Third-ranked Tennessee dropped just one set in sweeping nine singles matches against the Hawaii men’s team yesterday to close the Rainbow Warrior Challenge at the UH Tennis Complex.

The Volunteers, an NCAA finalist last season, were led by top-ranked Rhyne Williams, who defeated UH’s Dennis Lajola 6-4, 6-4 and was named the tournament’s MVP. UH’s Daniel Llarenas was the lone UH player to extend his match to a third set before losing to Taylor Patrick. Jonathan Brooklyn represented UH on the All-Tournament team.

Rosenberg to defend title

University of Hawaii junior Leo Rosenberg will try to defend the title he won last year when he plays in the Honolulu Challenger Wildcard Tournament, beginning tomorrow at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park Tennis Complex.

The tournament is also slated for Saturday and Sunday. The singles champion receives a wild card entry into the $50,000 Honolulu Challenger, which starts Jan. 24 at CORP.

The Challenger entry list includes defending champion Michael Russell, ranked 99th in the world. Richard Berankis, at No. 87, is the only other top-100 player entered. The 32-man field will change as the Australian Open progresses. It now features players ranked among the world’s top 350.

Rosenberg is seeded No. 1 this week, with John Fruttero No. 2. UH volunteer coach Ikaika Jobe is also playing along with Rainbows Jeremy Tweedt, Jared Spiker, Daniel Llarenas, Jon Brooklyn, Dmytro Kovalyov, Chris Meyer and David Schuster. There are 23 in the draw.

Senior Dennis Lajola, who plays No. 1 for Hawaii, is already in the Challenger after winning the sectional championship. Jobe and Hendrik Bode won sectional doubles and also received a spot in the Challenger.

Matches start at 11 a.m. tomorrow and 9 a.m. Saturday. The final is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday.