Golden Eagles Bow out of Regionals; McLendon Picks Up First Singles Win
TULSA, Okla. (April 27, 2013) - Facing stiff competition at the NAIA Unaffiliated Group Regional Tournament, John Brown was swept by the University of the Southwest (N.M.) on Friday before falling in a close match to Southwestern Christian (Okla.) on Saturday at the Tennix Complex on the campus of the University of Tulsa.
The Mustangs jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead courtesy of sweeping the first and third flights of singles play. Only the duo of Brandon Laney and Colton Cheek could score points against USW, forcing an 8-4 loss heading into singles play.
Unlike the regular season where the match is played out, games are immediately ended when a team reaches five points. The Mustangs did that quickly as Cameron McLendon was bested at No. 1 by a score of 6-0, 6-0. Southwest closed out the match at No. 2, keeping Alex Baker at bay, 6-0, 6-1.
Despite falling out of contention for the regional crown and a chance at the NAIA Tennis National Championships, John Brown proved resilient in day two, jumping out to a quick 2-1 lead after doubles' play was completed against Southwestern Christian. The tandem of Alex Baker and Cameron McLendon captured an 8-6 win at No. 1, notching their first victory at the top doubles' flight of the season. Brandon Zoellner and Seongjae Jo broke the 1-1 tie at No. 3 by posting a convincing 8-1 win for the 2-1 advantage.
The Golden Eagles' surge would end there, however, as Southwestern Christian nabbed four of the five flights in singles play for the 5-3 win. McLendon continued his torrid pace, claiming his first win at No. 1 of the season with a 6-0, 7-6, win. Baker was in contention for his first win at the second flight of the season, but fell valiantly 7-6, 6-3. Luke Pascoe narrowly missed his first singles' win of the 2013 campaign, falling 10-8 in a tiebreaker (6-3, 5-7) after he managed to come back and take the second set.
As the season drew to a close, Cheek and Laney posted the most wins in singles' action (3) while Jo and McLendon each earned two doubles' victories to share the honor.
