Iowa State tennis coach Boomer Saia got to say words he never dreamt he would five years ago on Saturday in ames.
“We’re going to the Sweet 16,” he said in the huddle after the clinching point celebrations of his team’s 4-1 win over Wisconsin had wrapped up.
For the first time in program history, the Cyclones are headed to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
“Maybe tomorrow or Monday or maybe come June,” Saia said as far as when he thinks the accomplishment will set in. I’m going to enjoy this moment and be really present and celebrate this with our team tonight. I’m just so proud, gosh.”
Iowa State came out of the gates hard, clinching the doubles point in a swift 24 minutes.
It was the 20th time in 25 matches this season that the Cyclones had done so.
“I think we were hungrier to come out today than we were yesterday and we turned it on. All three doubles teams showed up ready to play from the first point. That’s something we preach, but to put that into motion – in the biggest of moments in the NCAA Tournament to make a Sweet 16 – wow.”
They finished it out in singles, winning three matches to clinch the victory early in front of a packed crowd.
“There’s nothing like playing in Ames,” Saia said. “To see the hundreds that came out and supported – it’s amazing and they deserved that.”
Iowa State will face the winner of No. 6 Duke and UCLA in the next round, with details to be confirmed later this weekend.
