Cougars wrap up qualifying rounds at ITA All-American

TULSA, Okla. – Four BYU men’s tennis players completed qualifying singles and doubles play at the ITA All-American on Monday.

"Tough day at the office today," BYU assistant coach Aidan Carrazedo said. "We were right there but just couldn't capitalize on our chances. This will make us a better team moving forward."

Singles Pre-Qualifying Draw

The draw consisted of 256 players who were competing to make it into the singles qualifying draw.

Matheus Ferreira Leite and Sam Tullis won their first matches and proceeded to the round of 128. Tullis topped Josh Bortnick of the University of Arkansas, 6-3, 6-2, in the round of 256 and Ferreira Leite defeated North Carolina State’s Robin Catry, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

The two Cougars fell in the round of 128. Tullis dropped his match, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, against Baylor’s Ryan Dickerson and Ferreira Leite lost a close battle to Thibault Frumholz from Temple, 6-2, 4-6, 2-6.

Ben Gajardo fell to Tim Seibert of Ohio State, 3-6, 3-6, in the round of 256.

Doubles Qualifying Draw

Tullis and Gajardo bested WCC foe Gonzaga’s Sam Feit and Eric Hadigian 6-1, 7-5, sending them to the round of 32. There, the Cougar pair faced Adam Ambrozy and Rian Pandole of Columbia University but came up short, 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Sean Hill and Ferreira Leite took on Josh Carlton and Ty Gentry of the University of Oregon but fell 6-1, 6-3 in the round of 64.

Hill will compete in the singles main draw on Wednesday, Oct. 9, with hopes of advancing in the tournament.