Paluch adds Common Cents open title

The men's singles open final had everyone's attention on Sunday, during the final day of the USTA Black Hills Common Cents Open.

The match featured Mark Rodel of Fruit Heights, Utah, and Rapid City Stevens graduate Billy Paluch.

Paluch, who will be a freshman at Creighton University in the fall, took the match in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4 to win division.

"It was hot today, but I think we both played well," said Paluch following the match. "I give a lot of credit to Mark, he's a good player with great ground strokes and a tough serve. I got the better of him today. Maybe I was a little fresher."

Rodel, who is originally from South America, jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the first set. Paluch rallied back and took consecutive games to take the first set 6-2.

In the second set, Rodel looked tired, missing shots just beyond the baseline. Paluch took advantage and took the second set to become the open singles champion.

"I focus on teaching tennis and get out and play competitively when the opportunity presents itself," Rodel said.

Rodel was the No. 1 seed in this tournament because he had won a few tournaments already this year on the USTA circuit.

Black Hills Common Cents Open

Final Results

Men's Open Singles

Finals-William Paluch def. Mark Rodel, 6-2, 6-3.

Women's Open Singles

Finals-Whitney Paluch def. Cindy Denholm, 7-5, 6-0.

Men's Open Doubles

Finals-Paluch/Paluch def. Baumann/Goetz, 6-3, 6-1.

Women's Open Doubles

Finals-McDougall/Paluch def. Denholm/Wright, 6-3, 6-1.