Sept. 23, 2006

DES MOINES, Iowa - After a rough first day at the Drake Invitational, the University of Northern Colorado men's tennis team rebounded and picked up quality wins in the second day of competition.

"I thought today was much better than Friday," said head coach Brenda Vlasak. "You can see them improving with each match. I'm pleased with how they're coming along."

The Bears were led by freshman Kyle Barrett, who went 2-1 and made it to the semifinals of the Flight 'B' consolation bracket. After dropping his first match 6-2, 6-2, to Gustavus Adolphus' Nick Hansen, Barrett scored two straight wins. His first victory came in a hard fought 4-6, 6-3, 10-5, win over Northern Illinois' Javier Bernabe. Barrett then took care of business and pulled out another win over Creighton's James McAvoy by a score of 6-2, 2-6, 10-6.

Northern Colorado got a win from another freshman, Eric Kinsey. Kinsey won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, over Creighton's Ross Allen in the Flight 'B' singles bracket.

Junior Kollman Gearhart fought through a thumb injury in his match against Creighton's Chris Miller to pick up a 3-6, 7-5, 10-8 win.

Barrett will continue action tomorrow at the Drake Invitational with a semifinal showdown against Chad Olson from Gustavus Adolphus.