In all of the hubbub over weekend recruiting visits and the news that Bobby Knight was interested in Georgia basketball job, the news of Georgia’s 4-2 victory over Washington to advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the ITA National Indoors.

Unlike the previous two matches Georgia had to come from behind after an early setback:

Washington (4-2) grabbed a 1-0 lead by winning the doubles point over the Bulldogs (3-0). The team point came down to the No. 2 match where Derek Drabble and Patrik Fisher edged Josh Varela and Christian Vitulli 8-6. The Huskies No. 1 team of Martin Kildahl and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan won 8-4 while the No. 3 Bulldog tandem of Drake Bernstein and Javier Garrapiz won 8-3. It was the first time Georgia dropped the doubles point this season.

The match was clinched by the solitary Bulldog senior, Josh Varela.

“It was a total team effort today,” said Georgia coach Manuel Diaz. “After Washington won the doubles point, we knew what we had to do and everybody hung in there. Josh is a perfect example of a kid who came to Georgia to be a part of something special. He didn’t come in with a high ranking like some guys, he’s worked hard and gone from being like our eighth or ninth guy as a freshman to now winning big matches like today. He has a tremendous competitive spirit.”

Up next for the Tennis Dogs is a trip to Chicago to compete for the National Team Indoor Championships held February 13-16.