NCAA Semifinal Preview: Bowdoin vs Chicago

NCAA Semifinal Preview: Bowdoin vs Chicago

Our first NCAA Semifinal preview is a rematch from earlier this year, and once again in California. Yes, Bowdoin beat Chicago 7-2 earlier this year, but the Maroons have one of the same nine spots as last time these two teams faced off, and it was one of the only spots they won! Both Bowdoin and Chicago looked good today in their quarterfinal victories, jumping out to doubles sweeps will do that, but give both teams credit as they withstood charges from CMS and Wash U. These two semifinalists are similar, as they both play good doubles, both are strong throughout their singles lineup, and both are respected for their sportsmanship, but the biggest similarity between the two might be their seniors. The starting seniors, Chua, Tsai, Liu, Tercek, Wolfe, and Roddy, have taken each of their respective programs to new heights, and no matter what happens tomorrow will leave their schools in the best shape they have ever been in, which is about the greatest compliment I could give. That being said, only one will live to fight another day. Will Chicago finally break through and reach an NCAA Finals, or will Bowdoin cement its dynasty? Thankfully, newCentral has joined me to briefly give his biased take.

newCentral: Casual Addition to the Preview – Gut Feelings and Hot Takes based on their respective performances today – Central. Rules. Everything. Around. Me.

#1 doubles: Tercek/Urken (Bowdoin) vs Kerrigan/Kumar (Chicago)

NE: Both these teams looked quite formidable earlier today, and I LOVED the fire from Kerrigan/Kumar. They played up the noise, and kept their fans loud and involved, even in enemy territory. That being said, they have to take on a different, significantly taller beast tomorrow in Terk and Urk. One mistake from the Chicago duo, and the match is close to done.

Bowdoin, 8-6.

newCentral: Tercek & Urken 8-6

#2 doubles: Wolfe/Jiang (Bowdoin) vs Raclin/Yuan (Chicago)

NE: Big match here as this is a strong spot for both teams. Raclin and Yuan looked INCREDIBLE earlier today, making Katzman and Burney, a really good #2 team, look like a couple of juniors out there. Wolfe and Jiang beat Raclin and Sharma earlier in the year, but this team is tougher. If they jump out early, look for Raclin and Yuan to take this match, but the longer it goes on the more I like Wolfe/Jiang. Bowdoin 9-8 (5).

newCentral: Raclin & Yuan 9-7

#3 doubles: Roddy/Zhao (Bowdoin) vs Chua/Liu (Chicago)

NE: Both of these teams played in the only competitive doubles match earlier today, with both getting wins. However, Chua/Liu played their best when it mattered most at the end, while Roddy and Zhao let Wash U back into the match. Same theory applies in this match, if Bowdoin jumps out early and gets their swag on it will be hard to stop Roddy, but if it stays close I lean towards the seniors. Chicago, 8-5.

newCentral: Chua & Liu 9-7

#1 singles: Grant Urken (Bowdoin) vs Eric Kerrigan (Chicago)  

NE: Kerrigan fell to Parodi earlier today, while Urken didn’t quite have enough time to finish off Wu, though he did have a few match points. I don’t believe Kerrigan is consistent enough to force Urken off his game, and while we should see a few fireworks, I like the Bowdoin junior to keep rolling. Bowdoin, 6-4, 6-3.

newCentral: Urken: 7-5, 6-2

#2 singles: Luke Tercek (Bowdoin) vs Nicolas Chua (Chicago)

NE: Tercek and Neves was a battle today, while Chua looked a little outmatched against Katzman. These two battled earlier in the year (finally a match that’s a repeat, Chicago’s lineup has changed a LOT), with Chua coming away with a three-set victory in an almost comical 6-2, 0-6, 7-6 scoreline. In a battle between two extremely talented seniors desperately hoping for at least one more match, I’m sticking with my region, but still calling it unfinished. Bowdoin, 5-7, 6-2, 6-3.

newCentral: Chua: 6-1, 1-6, 7-5

#3 singles: Kyle Wolfe (Bowdoin) vs Luke Tsai (Chicago)

NE: GRIND GRIND GRIND and then GRIND SOME MORE. I will be very surprised if this match finishes, unless we get a 5-3 or 5-4 decision either way. Once again, two seniors, two of the best #3’s in the country, and two guys who could probably do something at NCAA Individuals if you gave them chance. Chicago leads, 7-6 (4), 6-5.

newCentral: Tsai: 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-3

#4 singles: Jerry Jiang (Bowdoin) vs Jeremy Yuan (Chicago)

NE: Yuan was very impressive earlier today. We know the freshman has the cajones to come up big when it matters most, but each step from here on out will be a new height in terms of pressure. His backhand was dictatorial today, and if he plays like that again tomorrow he should be in command. Chicago, 6-4, 6-3.

newCentral: Yuan 2-6, 6-3, 6-4

#5 singles: Gil Roddy (Bowdoin) vs David Liu (Chicago)

NE: Roddy once again dominated today against Haugen, and Liu looked incredible for a little while, but it seemed like Park was close to in control at the end. AVZ has long speculated that D. Liu might not be as effective as advertised due to a lack of competition during his injury. If that is the case, or he is fatigued in any way after his big day on Monday, Roddy is the last #5 he would want to face. Bowdoin, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

newCentral: Roddy: 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-2

#6 singles: Justin Patel (Bowdoin) vs Charlie Pei (Chicago)

NE: Patel played a very quick 3-setter today, bouncing back from a tough first, cruising through the second, racing to a big lead in the third, letting Kroot back into it, and eventually clinching when it mattered. The only non-junior/senior in the singles lineup, Patel is the only singles player without NCAA title experience. Pei fought back against Vemuri today, and was locked in a 3rd when the Maroons clinched. This one should be a battle. Bowdoin leads, 3-6, 7-5, 4-3.

newCentral: Patel: 6-4, 6-4

Final Match Predictions:

NE: Bowdoin def Chicago 5-2

newCentral: Chicago def. Bowdoin: 5-4 (5-3 probs)

DIIIWest: Bowdoin def Chicago 5-3

D3Regional: Bowdoin def Chicago 5-4