University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Claire Kaufmann
Karol Malirz Brings Blue Hen Pride to 2024 ITA Men's All-American Championship
9/22/2024 8:15:00 PM | Men's Tennis
TULSA, Okla. – The University of Delaware men's tennis team member Karol Malirz represented the Hens with pride at the 2024 ITA Men's All-American Championships this past weekend. Malirz was selected as one of the 128 men's collegiate tennis players to enter the pre-qualifying draw.
ON THE RECORD – "What an experience this was for Karol to be able to compete against the best players in the NCAA," head coach Marc Pibernat said. "Yesterday's four-hour match under 90-degree weather paid a toll on his performance today. His legs were shut most of the match, and it was very hard for him to find that extra boost to go and win his second round against a top player from Clemson. Winning yesterday's match under the conditions that he did it, and against a line up player from one of the best teams in the nation, Baylor University, is something remarkable and to be very proUD of. Overall, this was a great tournament for him, and it will help not only Karol but the rest of the team to realize that with hard work and determination, we can compete against the best in the nation."
HOW IT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY
Karol Malirz (DEL) def. Oskar Brostrom Poulsen (BAY) 7-6 (2), 6-7 (7), 6-4
RESULTS – SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
Noa Vukadin (CLEM) def. Karol Malirz (DEL) 6-1, 6-3
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ON THE RECORD – "What an experience this was for Karol to be able to compete against the best players in the NCAA," head coach Marc Pibernat said. "Yesterday's four-hour match under 90-degree weather paid a toll on his performance today. His legs were shut most of the match, and it was very hard for him to find that extra boost to go and win his second round against a top player from Clemson. Winning yesterday's match under the conditions that he did it, and against a line up player from one of the best teams in the nation, Baylor University, is something remarkable and to be very proUD of. Overall, this was a great tournament for him, and it will help not only Karol but the rest of the team to realize that with hard work and determination, we can compete against the best in the nation."
HOW IT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY
- Malirz's appearance in the championship is the first the program has seen in years.
- His first match was scheduled for 11:30 a.m., where the sun was blazing hot in the Oklahoma heat. The temperature rested at 93-degrees for most of the match, with a real feel of 99-degrees.
- His first-round opponent, Oskar Brostrom Poulsen a senior from Baylor, held a record of singles record of 17-12 last season with duals at 11-8.
- Malirz started off strong as he took the first set, 7-6 (2).
- Brostrom Poulsen responded with taking the second set, 7-6 (7).
- Finally, Malirz put an end to the match with a third set of 6-4.
- After exerting himself in the extreme heat for his long Saturday match, Malirz's body was struggling to withstand another tough day of play early on Sunday.
- His match up, Noa Vukadin of Clemson, had a shorter first match on Saturday. He wrapped up his match in two sets with 7-6 (5), 6-4.
- Vukadin is a sophomore who was ranked no. five in ITA Doubles Preseason Rankings.
- Vukadin took both sets against Malirz, 6-1, 6-3.
- This year, the ITA shrunk the pre-qualifying draw in half from 256 in 2023.
- Draw is based on pre-season rankings and WTN.
- Both matches were played at LaFortune Tennis Center.
Karol Malirz (DEL) def. Oskar Brostrom Poulsen (BAY) 7-6 (2), 6-7 (7), 6-4
RESULTS – SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
Noa Vukadin (CLEM) def. Karol Malirz (DEL) 6-1, 6-3
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware men's tennis, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
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