Cowboy Tennis Shines Against Wichita State in First Outdoor Home Match

After playing the bulk of their schedule inside, the Cowboys were finally in the Stillwater sunlight.

Oklahoma State shined in more ways than one in its latest win.

No. 23 OSU beat Wichita State 7-0 in men’s tennis in Stillwater on Sunday at the Greenwood Tennis Center. OSU looked good, as it has all month, but this match was a new test.

The Cowboys have played 10 matches at the Greenwood Tennis Center this season, but their matchup with the Shockers was the first to happen outside. Although the Cowboys have played outdoor matches this season, including a win at Tulane on Wednesday, every home match has been played inside.

The Cowboys had a slow start in doubles before taking the point with wins on Courts 1 and 2. Although the Court 3 pairing of Goran Zgola and Erik Schiessl did not finish, it had a successful run once the singles play began.

Schiessl’s singles win against Marcelo Sepulveda gave OSU a 4-0 lead to secure the win. With sunlight covering every court, Schiessl and Zgola played off each other’s energy on Courts 4 and 6.

Zgola was the fourth OSU player to win in singles, beating Ziwen Ju 6-3, 6-3. His role began to increase as the indoor season ended, and he will look to carry that into his preferred season.

“I feel like I have some attributes that make me play well indoor,” Zgola said. “But my entire life, I was, like, my favorite surface was clay outdoor, which is slow.”

Zgola also noted the comfort of playing outside because of its familiarity.

OSU had picked up five straight wins playing inside before its match at Tulane. Despite the team’s success, many players have been looking forward to the start of outdoor play.

“Me, personally, I love outdoor tennis,” Schiessl said. “I don’t know about all of those guys on our team, but I think we’re a good indoor and outdoor team.”

Tennis does not necessarily change whether played in air conditioning or under the sunlight, but the transition can present challenges. For OSU coach Dustin Taylor’s team, those challenges are minimal, thanks to the work it has already done.

“For us, I wouldn’t say it was a huge challenge because our guys are fit,” Taylor said. “Most of the time, the challenge is getting outside and being in the hot weather and having the sun beat down on you.”

Ultimately, the Cowboys are playing tennis. Playing inside or outside is not important as long as there is a court.

“Obviously, you have the sun, you have the wind, which isn’t easy,” Zgola said. “But still, the ball is yellow, the courts are green and blue, so there’s not that much change.”

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