Peers and Davison have strong outing for Middle Tennessee.
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Middle Tennessee men's tennis team ended the Thunderbird Invitational hosted by Arizona State on Sunday.
Freshman John Peers fell to Gustave Diep of New Mexico State in the championship match 6-4, 6-2.
"John Peers had a very successful tournament. His hard work this semester certainly paid off this week with a big win against Rebaza who is No. 40 in the ITA Rankings," head coach David McNamara said. "Today John did not play his best but to his opponents credit he played well and did not give John many opportunities. There are not too many players who come in their freshman semester and get a win over such a highly ranked opponent."
In doubles action, Peers teamed with Arkansas' Brandon Joost to defeat T.J. Bellama and Juan Carlos Rebeza of Arizona State 9-8 (4) in the championship match.
Freshman Derrick Davison defeated Joost 6-3, 7-6(5).
"Derrick managed to get a singles win today over Joost, who partnered with John Peers in doubles. Derrick is starting play with some confidence and starting to believe in his game. Derrick could have easily given up with a rough start to the tournament but to his credit he kept playing his game and got a win today," McNamara said.
Arizona State's Patrick Brogan defeated freshman Kyle Wishing 6-4, 6-1.
"Derrick Davison and Kyle Wishing can take a lot from this tournament. Although their results may not reflect their work effort I am proud of them both for fighting and giving it 100%," McNamara said. "They both have come a long way since the start of the semester and for Kyle Wishing this was his first collegiate singles tournament. He had a close match yesterday where he lost 7-5 6-4 to McBride from Arkansas. Kyle had a very productive week leading up to this tournament."
In consolation doubles, Davison and Wishing fell to Diep and Jim Brouleau of New Mexico State 8-2.
"This is last tournament for the fall and now we head into the off season practice times where we will spending more time weight training and getting bigger and stronger for the spring season," McNamara said.
Middle Tennessee will begin the spring season on Thursday, Jan. 24 when it opens at the University of Tennessee. This will be the first time since 1997 that the two teams played each other.
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