Cougars Compete in Opening Day of Fall Classic

The BYU men's tennis team hosted former professionals, junior players and fellow college athletes at the Utah Fall Tennis Classic on Thursday

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Sept. 14, 2007

PROVO, UTAH - The BYU men's tennis team fared well against former professionals, junior players and fellow college athletes on Thursday at the Utah Fall Tennis Classic held at the BYU outdoor tennis courts. Five Cougars will advance in singles play on Friday.

"We have a young team," said head coach Brad Pearce. "I expected to see a little more from the guys. We just need more work."

Pearce saw some action himself, winning two singles matches and two doubles matches with former Cougar James Ludlow.

"It felt good," said Pearce. "It always feels good to win."

The coach wasn't the only member of the Pearce family to advance in the tournament. Thirteen-year-old John, who is currently ranked No. 3 in the Intermountain Region for boys under 14, won his first doubles match. Younger brother, Matt, won his first singles match, and due to default will advance and compete on Friday.

"It was fun to see [John] play," said coach Pearce. "He held his own against some pretty powerful serves."

Among those competing in the doubles matches on Friday for BYU will be returning Cougars Cassidy Mears and Jonathan Sanchez, and newcomers Daniel Hwang and Evan Urbina.

The tournament action will continue on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. and on Saturday at 11 a.m. All matches are open to the public and admission is free. The BYU outdoor tennis courts are located just south of the Smith Fieldhouse and the entrance is on the east side. All BYU parking lots are open to the public all day Saturday.

The event is sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association and each athlete participating will receive a USTA ranking at the end of the event. However, the event is not sanctioned by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association meaning the competition is not considered in NCAA or conference rankings or play. College athletes who participate do so as individuals and not as representatives of their respective schools.

For more information regarding this event visit http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=55241