TULSA, Okla. – It was a very successful day in Tulsa Okla., where two Commodores, Rhys Johnson and Gonzales Austin, sought success at the 2014 Saint Francis Health System ITA Men’s All-American Championships.
Rhys Johnson kicked off the day in the second round qualifiers after winning yesterday’s first round match, 6-4, 7-5. Ranked No. 90 by the ITA, Johnson ousted Oklahoma State’s Arjun Kadhe, 6-4 6-2.
“Rhys (Johnson) played a very smart match today and did a great job exploiting his opponents weaknesses”, said associate head coach Jamie Hunt.
The Vanderbilt junior takes on UTSA’s Tomas Stillman in the third and final round of singles qualifiers. Stillman, a veteran senior, went 22-2 for the Roadrunners last season. Match play begins at 10 a.m., with Johnson taking the court at 11 a.m.
Johnson was joined by partner Gonzales Austin following his singles success. The new duo, currently ranked No. 22 by the ITA, hope to carry on last year’s doubles success, as Austin and previous partner Ryan Lipman made it to the round of 16.
The No. 1 seed in qualifiers, Austin and Johnson defeated first round foes, Nicolai Ferrigno and Lucas Gerch out of Oklahoma State in an 6-3, 6-3 victory.
During second round play the tandem took on conference rivals Eric Diaz and Nathan Pasha, out of the University of Georgia. Vanderbilt took the first set, 6-4, fueling the Bulldogs to take an early 3-2 lead. But Johnson and Austin fought back in what became one of the most dramatic matches of the day. With Vandy serving and up 6-5, 40-30, the `Dores clinched the victory, 6-4, 7-5, and the opportunity to play in Main Draw competition this Thursday.
“A.J. (Austin) and Rhys (Johnson) had a good day. They both played smart and disciplined matches. They beat two good teams, especially the second team of two seniors from Georgia. They showed tremendous composure in the second set coming back from being down a break to win 7-5. I’m very pleased with how they are coming along as a new team.”
