Clemson’s Cal Hilsman Wins ITA Summer Circuit Tournament

July 15, 2010

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson men’s tennis player Cal Hilsman won the ITA Lagoon Park Summer Circuit Tournament at Montgomery, AL that was held on July 10-13.

At that tournament, Hilsman was seeded fifth. He defeated Thomas Gore in the Round of 16, 6-2, 6-0. In the quarterfinal round, he defeated Nat Smiler 6-2, 6-0. In the semifinal round, he was victorious over Sean Gunnels 6-4, 6-3. In the Championship Match, he defeated Maks Gold 6-2, 6-2.

In an earlier tournament on July 7-9 at Tallahassee Florida, Hilsman advanced to the finals and was defeated by Florida State’s Anderson Reed 6-4, 6-3 in the championship match. In this tournament, Hilsman defeated Mark Worsham 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round. In the Round of 16, he defeated Thomas Flowers 6-0, 6-0. In the quarterfinal round, he knocked off Temuera Afufu Adjaye 6-1, 6-3. Hilsman defeated Stauffer MacDowell in the semifinals 7-6, 6-1.

Players from around the United States compete in tournaments within their region with hopes of moving on to the ITA Summer national Tournament. The winner of that tournament will qualify for a wild card spot in the qualification rounds of the U.S. Open.

“Between singles and doubles I have played thirteen matches in six days,” said Hilsman. “I did not know what to expect going into the ITA tournaments, but I feel every match I am getting stronger. I would have loved to won both finals, but winning in Montgomery was very exciting. I’m looking forward to next season. I am excited about our team. Everyone has been working very hard this summer and we are all looking forward to reaching some lofty goals. For now I am going to try and do my best at UGA this week at the next ITA tournament.”

Hilsman will play at the University of Georgia on July 15-18 and at the University of Alabama on July 23-26 in similar tournaments.