LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Clemson opened the 2014 NCAA championships with a 4-1 win against Purdue on Friday afternoon at the Hilary J. Boone Varsity Tennis Center. With the win, Clemson (21-8) advances to the second round of the national tournament on Saturday, while the Boilermakers conclude their season at 15-8.
In doubles action, the nation's ninth-ranked team of Hunter Harrington and Dominique Maden made quick work of their Boilermaker opponent on flight one, winning 8-1. Austin Ansari and Luke Johnson clinched the doubles point for the Tigers with an 8-4 victory on court No. 3.
Just as singles play was about to begin, rain began falling in Lexington and the match was moved indoors. The Tigers took the move in stride, with Maden (6-0, 6-4) and Harrington (6-2, 6-4) defeating their Purdue counterparts at the top of the lineup to bring the team lead to 3-0. Ansari had a battle on his hands on court No. 4, but ultimately persevered 7-6(5), 6-3 to clinch the 4-1 win for Clemson.
