TULSA, Okla. – Senior Rhys Johnson began his final year with the Commodores Monday, competing in qualifying singles action at the ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa, Okla. While Johnson lost in the opening rounds of qualifiers and consolation play, his tournament journey is far from over with main draw doubles action on the horizon.
Johnson battled throughout the first set taking it to a tiebreaker against Loyola Marymount senior Christobal Rivera, and falling 7-6(1). Rivera faced Johnson on a tournament four-match win streak, having climbed his way out of pre-qualifying singles action. The Lion took control of the second set, but not before Johnson could take three games of his own.
Once consolation rounds began, Johnson fell to Kennesaw State’s Simon Pritchard in three-set heart breaker. After dropping the opening set in a close 7-5 loss, Johnson used the deficit as momentum, rocking Pritchard with a 6-0 second set victory. The mighty second set loss couldn’t shake the Owl as Pritchard came out victorious in the third set tiebreaker, 7-6(3).
While singles action is over for the Perth, Australia native, Johnson’s time in Tulsa is just beginning. Daniel Valent will join the 2015 doubles All-American on Thursday in Oklahoma, when the 21st-ranked duo begins their career together playing in main draw competition.
