Reacting quickly, 2013 alumnus Helio Hashimoto prepares to make a forehand swing on April 12. Hashimoto was chosen as the graduate assistant for Harding men's tennis for the 2013-2014 season. Jeff Montgomery Junior Caleb McReynolds leaps to reach the ball before letting it bounce out of bounds on April 12. McReynolds contributed six wins to the tennis team's 70-42 singles record. Jeff Montgomery 2013 alumnus Mark Singnil returns the ball with a backhand swing on April 12. Singnil and his doubles partner, junior Jon Mark Rowden, were ranked second in the Central Region. Jeff Montgomery ===- A RARE WIN 0 n Feb. 20, 20131 tennis player and 2013 alumnus Adam Edwards achieved the first golden match in Harding's history in a non-conference tournament against Christian Brothers University. A golden match was afull two-set, 12-game, 48-point match played without a single point being lost. "A golden match is a great achievement for any tennis player," current head tennis coach Marco Ruiz, who was the assistant coach at the time of Edwards's victory, said. "It is almost unheard of because there are so many variables that would prevent someone from achieving it such as doublefaults, unexpected winners or even just unforced errors. It is very impressive that someone can focus to win 48 straight points without making any mistakes. For instance, a golden match is more rare than a hole-in-one in golf." Edwards referred to himself as the least MAKES HISTORY consistent ball striker on the team, so he was surprised at his own accomplishment. According to Edwards, the golden match was never his goal; he just played his best. "Once when I was a junior in high school, I had a golden set, but I never would have thought of having agolden match," Edwards said. "You can't train for perfect matches. It's nearly impossible. You just train and work for your best performance and trust you are mentally and physically tough enough to win on the court." Team member junior Charlie Vasquez was inspired by Edwards' achievement on the court. According to Vasquez, golden matches were as rare as perfect baseball games. Vasquez stated that teamwork, lots of practice and great coaches were to thank for Edwards' ability to achieve such a significant honor. Although Edwards played his golden match alone, Vasquez emphasized how important teamwork was to the game of tennis. "We work out together, we play tennis together, we eat together, we just spend time together," Vasquez said. "Coach Marco has pushed this upon us even more this year. With our team coming from many different places, across not just the United States but the world, a lot of us do not know many other people beside our team at first. We have a bond that is created from the many hours that we spend together." Edwards left Harding proud of an unexpected but significant personal and team victory. "This victory meant a lot to me," Edwards said. "I loved that I was able to make history and leave a little mark for people to strive for. Kristina Kiser 273
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