The ETSU Men’s tennis team has been getting representation at this year’s Icy Hot ITA All American Tournament, sponsored by The Champions Club of Chattanooga, this past week from nationally ranked sophomore Oscar Posada. Posada recently received an Intercollegiate Tennis Association ranking of 105 earlier this semester. Posada will be playing in the fourth round on Thursday with the winner heading to the quarterfinals.
Posada’s season is already off to a good start. Last weekend at the Southern Intercollegiate in Georgia, Posada made it to the semi-finals. During his matches there he defeated nationally ranked John Isner from host school University of Georgia.
During this past week’s play, Posada again played against other nationally ranked players. To open the tournament on Monday, Posada defeated Roger Gubser (6-3, 3-6; 6-2) to move in to round two on Tuesday.
In Tuesday’s match Posada defeated third seeded Paul Rose (6-1, 6-4) to advance to the third round of the National Championships. Paul Rose was nationally ranked 56 coming into the tournament.
Posada entered Wednesday’s match facing Tony Haerle of Rice University. Haerle had yet to face any seeded or nationally ranked players in this tournament.
Posada was able to put Haerle behind him in his win at the on Wednesday. Posada defeated Haerle (6-1, 7-6 (3)).
Posada moves into the fourth round of the tournament against Greg Oullette from Florida. Oullette also has not faced any ranked or seeded competitors throughout the tournament.
Overall the tournament has had quite a few upsets beginning in the first rounds when a number of nine and 17 seeds were upset by non- seeded players. On Tuesday Luigi D’Agord upset the highest ranking player at the tournament, Martirosyan, ranked 53 in the nation.
If the seeds that are left continue to win, the semi-finals could be set up for Posada to face some tough competition. If all goes well through then, Posada will face the second seeded Clayton Almeida of Winthrop in the Semi-Finals. Almeida came into the tournament as one of the highest ranked at 54.
The pre-qualifying tournament included a field of 256 that was worn down to 128 on Friday to be sent to the qualifying tournament over the weekend.
On Tuesday the final rounds of 64 players left got worn down to 32. After Wednesday’s matches the final 16 will make the push to capture a National Championship.
up for Posada to face some tough competetion. If all goes well through then, Posada will face the second seeded Clayton Almeida of Winthrop in the Semi-Finals. Almeida came into the tournament as one of the highest ranked at 54.
This will be the first of three National Championships played over the tennis season. The Champions Club of Chattanooga is hosting the Icy Hot Ita All American Tournament. The matches here started on Monday with 128 players entering after play concluded ational Championship.

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