Cougars fall in first round of WCC Championships

SAN DIEGO -- Despite getting wins from freshmen Jacob Sullivan and Aidan Carrazedo, No. 6 seed BYU men’s tennis fell to No. 7 seed Pacific, 4-2, in the first round of the West Coast Conference Championships, Wednesday.

 

“Congratulations are in order for Pacific,” BYU head coach Brad Pearce said. “They converted on more opportunities to win games, which led to sets and matches today. We wish them well in the next round.”

 

The Cougars finish the season 10-15.

 

“We wanted to play more tennis, and felt we were capable of going deeper in the tournament, so it's very disappointing that our season has come to an end,” coach Pearce said. “I was pleased with our strong finish at home.” 

 

The Tigers took the early lead by grabbing the doubles point and the first two singles matches at No. 2 and No. 3.

 

With the 3-0 deficit, BYU mounted a comeback. 

 

The Australian Sullivan snaked by Alex Hamilton in three sets, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, for the win at fifth singles. 

 

The South African Carrazedo followed with a stellar comeback over Marlon Brand, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, bringing the Cougars within one. 

 

Pacific clinched the win as freshman Matthew Pearce fell at fourth singles in a hard-fought match, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

 

“Hopefully our young players will work hard during spring and summer and be ready to go for next season. We'll miss Matthew Pearce and Sterling Galli who are headed into the mission field shortly. We’re already looking forward to next season.”

 

 

Pacific def. BYU 4-2

 

Doubles

1. Marlon Brand/Daniel Alameh def. Andrey Goryachkov/Robin Pfister (BYU) 8-5

2. Francis Sargeant/Matthew Pearce (BYU) vs. Denis Stolyarov/Sem Verbeek 6-4 DNF

3. Miguel Diaz/Alex Hamilton def. Jacob Sullivan/Jeremy Bourgeois (BYU) 8-4

 

Singles

1. Francis Sargeant (BYU) vs. Sem Verbeek 6-1, 5-7, 3-2 DNF

2. Denis Stolyarov def. Andrey Goryachkov (BYU) 7-6(5), 6-2

3. Miguel Diaz def. Jeremy Bourgeois (BYU) 6-3, 7-6(4)

4. Daniel Alameh def. Matthew Pearce (BYU) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3

5. Jacob Sullivan (BYU) def. Alex Hamilton 6-4, 2-6, 6-3

6. Aidan Carrazedo (BYU) def. Marlon Brand 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

 

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