ORLANDO, Fla. – Strong play from Sean Hill and Jeffrey Hsu in singles and doubles helped BYU defeat UNC-Wilmington 5-2 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida Saturday afternoon.

“We are off to a great start to our season and are excited about the win,” BYU head coach Brad Pearce said. “UNC-Wilmington is a great team who won its conference last year. We came from playing in the altitude to playing in tough conditions in Florida with the cold and wind today, but our team did amazing. We were well-prepared. I hope what the team can take away is that there is no substitute for great preparation and taking care of the things we can control.”

In doubles play, BYU’s Matthew Pearce and David Ball defeated Agustin Savarino and Daniel Groom 7-5 in the No. 3 slot. The Cougars secured the doubles point in first doubles with Sean Hill and Jeffrey Hsu defeating Ignasi De Reuda and Raphael Calzi 7-5.

Building off of the momentum from doubles, BYU won four-straight singles matches. Ben Gajardo, Hill, Hsu and John Pearce earned victories, securing the Cougars a win over the Seahawks. Sam Tullis and M. Pearce fell short in their singles matches.

The Cougars face off against Florida Gulf Coast University Monday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. EST at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. The match will stream live on the USTA National Campus website.

Match Results

BYU 5, UNC-Wilmington 2

Doubles Results

1. Hill/Hsu (BYU) def. De Reuda/Calzi (UNC-W) 7-5
2. Torres/Morphy (UNC-W) def. S. Tullis/J. Pearce (BYU) 5-6 (DNF)
3. M. Pearce/Ball (BYU) def. Savarino/Groom (UNC-W) 6-2

Order of finish: (3,1)

Singles Results

1. Hill (BYU) def. Torres (UNC-W) 6-0, 6-1
2. Hsu (BYU) def. Savarino (UNC-W) 7-5, 6-3
3. De Reuda (UNC-W) def. S. Tullis (BYU) 6-7, 6-3, 10-4
4. J. Pearce (BYU) def. Calzi (UNC-W) 6-3, 0-6, 6-3
5. Copeland (UNC-W) def. M. Pearce (BYU) 6-2, 4-6, 7-6
6. Gajardo (BYU) def. Groom (UNC-W) 6-0, 6-1

Order of finish: (6, 1, 2, 4, 3, 5)

PROVO, Utah – BYU men’s tennis opens regular season play against UNC-Wilmington and Florida Gulf Coast University at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida.

The Cougars face off against UNC-Wilmington on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. EST and Florida Gulf Coast University on Monday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. EST.

“We are starting off the season strong with an exciting trip to the new USTA National Campus, which is home to American tennis,” BYU head coach Brad Pearce said. “They have an incredible facility with 100 courts and a 12-court collegiate stadium. We are not easing into things with the tough competition the two teams will bring.”

BYU is coming off a successful fall preseason after competing in the Mountain Regional Tournament and the So Cal Intercollegiate. Senior John Pearce leads the Cougars with experience and match wins. Junior Jeffrey Hsu and sophomore Sean Hill transferred to BYU this season and will be strong assets to the team. Sophomore Sam Tullis and junior Matthew Pearce return, adding depth to the lineup.

Both UNC-Wilmington and Florida Gulf Coast University are opening regular season with BYU in Florida.

UNC-Wilmington

All nine players on the roster returned from last season bringing depth and experience to the lineup. The Cougars topped the Seahawks 6-0 in March 2011. 

Florida Gulf Coast University

Six players returned this season. Two freshman and two transfer players solidify the Eagle lineup. BYU and Florida Gulf Coast University have never played each other.

Both matches will be aired live on the USTA National Campus website. Scores will be updated on the men’s tennis schedule page as soon as matches are completed.