The beginning of the Hawkeye men’s tennis team’s spring trip created some tough circumstances. The team had to fly out of the Quad City Airport in two groups on different dates in order to be in compliance with the NCAA’s 48-hour rule, which states that athletes must be in competition no later than 48 hours after leaving campus.

Iowa’s first meet of the trip was against San Francisco on March 17 at Pebble Beach. The Dons cruised past the Hawkeyes en route to a 7-0 victory. Iowa then had three days off before facing Pacific in Stockton, California on March 21.

The Pacific’s men’s tennis squad had been ranked as high as 66th this season, on March 12. While the Hawkeyes put up a good fight, it wasn’t enough, and the Power Cats powered past Iowa by a score of 4-3. Iowa began the meet by dropping the doubles point and that proved to be the difference. Iowa came up victorious at the 4, 5, and 6 positions during singles play, with Juan Estenssoro, Andres Estenssoro, and Dominic Patrick tallying victories.

The Hawkeyes had a quick turnaround, competing against Fresno State in Fresno the following afternoon, March 22. The Bulldogs had been ranked as high as 69th in the country this year.

However, early season struggles had the Bulldogs sitting at a 4-11 record before the Hawkeyes came to town.

Iowa took care of business in the last meet of the spring trip, downing the Bulldogs, 5-2.

The Hawks started off strong, taking the doubles point. The Black and Gold kept their early momentum during singles play. Junior Jonas Dierckx picked up his first career singles win in the No. 1 position. Sophomore Matt Hagan defeated his opponent in straight sets (6-2, 7-5), and Andres Estenssoro and Patrick picked up their second wins in as many days.