Sept. 22, 2012
WACO, Texas -
The Tulsa men's tennis team wrapped up competition at the HEB Invitational on Saturday, September 22 at the Hurd Tennis Center.
Headlining action for the Golden Hurricane was the play of Japie De Klerk and Alejandro Espejo. The duo defeated the tournament's No. 1 seed doubles team John Collins and Hunter Reese of Tennessee, 8-4 in the quarterfinals before falling in the semifinals. Marko Krickovic and Robert Verzaal of Baylor, the No. 3 seeded duo, defeated the Tulsa tandem 9-7.
"Japie and Alejandro played very well considering it was the first time they have played together," commented assistant coach Thomas Liversage. "They beat some really good double teams, and they are heading in the right direction."
Espejo advanced to the quarterfinals in singles play after defeating Andreas Bjerrhus of Virginia Tech, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2. In the quarterfinals, Espejo lost to the tournament's No. 4 seed Julian Lenz 7-5, 6-2.
"We believe that this weekend was very beneficial for us," Liversage said. "We played some tough competition this weekend which will make us stronger down the road."
After two trips to Texas, the team will remain at home during its next competition as TU will take part in the ITA Men's All-American Championships held at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center held at the University of Tulsa.
For all Tulsa men's tennis news and information, visit www.TulsaHurricane.com. Follow Tulsa Athletics on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TulsaHurricane and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TulsaHurricane. Follow Tulsa Men's Tennis on Twitter (http://twitter.com/TulsaMTennis) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TulsaMTennis).
-TulsaHurricane.com-
Tennis Match Results
September 22 at Waco, Texas
(Hurd Tennis Center)
Singles Main Draw
Third Round
Alejandro Espejo (Tulsa) def. Andreas Bjerrhus (Virginia Tech) 6-4, 2-6, 6-2
Marko Krickovic (Baylor) def Japie De Klerk (Tulsa) 7-5,7-6 (0)
Quarterfinals
Julian Lenz (Baylor) def. Espejo (Tulsa) 7-5, 6-2
Singles Consolation Round
Second Round
Matt Kirby (Tulsa) received Bye
Third Round
Yauheni Yakauleu (UTA) def. Kirby (Tulsa) 6-1, 6-2
Doubles Main Draw
Quarterfinals
De Klerk/Espejo (Tulsa) def. John Collins/Hunter Reese (Tenn.) 8-4
Semifinals
Marko Krickovic/Robert Verzaal (Baylor) def. De Klerk/Espejo (Tulsa) 9-7
In eight years as a member of Conference USA, Tulsa athletic teams have won a league-best 48 conference championships.
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