TULSA, Okla. — After dropping the first set, the sixth-ranked Columbia tandem of senior Jackie Tang and junior Jack Lin rallied back to claim the doubles title at the 2019 Saint Francis Health System ITA All-American Championships on Sunday afternoon. The Lions bested UCF's Gabriel Decamps and Juan Pablo Mazzuchi, winning 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 (6).
 
"It feels great to start the year on such a high note," Tang said after the finals match. "I thought we played smart and adjusted well to each of our opponents. We trusted our shots and competed 'til the end and fortunately it went our way."

According to Lin, the Lions weren't worried after falling behind in the first set on Sunday.

"After trailing 4-2, I was not too concerned about the match overall because I knew we were playing well and we would have our chances," he said. "We also got into a similar situation in the semis after being down a set 4-1 and still found a way to get it done. I trusted more opportunities would come our way and I trusted in Jackie. We were able to bail each other out in every match."

The triumph marks the first time in program history in which a Columbia duo has won a main draw title since doubles was added to the tournament in 1985, and just the second time an Ivy League duo has claimed the title all-time.
 
By winning the tournament, the duo earns automatic entry into the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships slated for Nov. 6-10 in Newport Beach, California.

Although Lin was partnered with then-senior Will Matheson for the majority of the 2019 spring season, Tang and Lin paired up for part of the year, going 6-0 together including a win over the No. 2 team in the nation from Baylor before Tang was sidelined for the remainder of the season.

The Lions didn't seem to miss a beat as they reunited this week, earning five wins along the way, including a ranked victory over Florida's fourth-ranked team in the quarterfinals.

"It was tough to lose Jackie last year because he was such an important player to our team," said Lin. "It was good to have him back on the court to compete together as a team, especially when he is healthy and playing well. I always thought we could do really well this week, and I was glad we were able to win so many close matches against good teams."

"It feels good to pick up where we started last year. I can get bored of Jack quite easily so my injury gave me time off from him," joked Tang. "All kidding aside, it feels great to be back on the court with Jack. I think we communicate very well during the matches and do a good job reflecting on what we can work on."

Columbia will have a quick turnaround before returning to action for the ITA Northeast Regional Championships in Philadelphia. The tournament will run Oct. 17-22.  
 
2019 Saint Francis Health System ITA All-American Championships
Tulsa, Okla. – University of Tulsa
Oct. 9-13, 2019
 
Finals (Sunday, Oct. 13)
#6 Jackie Tang/Jack Lin def. Gabriel Decamps/Juan Pablo Mazzuchi (UCF), 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 (6)
 
Semifinals (Saturday, Oct. 12)
#6 Jackie Tang/Jack Lin def. Sean Sculley/Nick Stachowiak (Duke), 4-6, 6-4 1-0 (6)
 
Quarterfinals (Friday, Oct. 11)
#6 Jackie Tang/Jack Lin def. #4 Brian Berdusco/Johannes Ingildsen (Florida), 6-2, 7-6 (5)
 
Round of 16 (Thursday, Oct. 10)
#6 Jackie Tang/Jack Lin def. Matias Soto/Constantin Frantzen (Baylor), 6-4, 6-2
 
First Round (Wednesday, Oct. 9)
#6 Jackie Tang/Jack Lin def. James Davis/Matt Summers (Denver), 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 (5)
 
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