University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
NCAA Doubles Championships - Semifinals
Tigers fall short in semifinal round of NCAA doubles tournament
May 27, 2018 | Men's Tennis
Peniston, Watson turn in best postseason doubles finish in program history
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Ryan Peniston and Andrew Watson's run in the NCAA doubles tournament came to a close Sunday evening, as the Memphis men's tennis duo dropped a 6-3, 7-6(6) decision to UCLA's Martin Redlicki and Evan Zhu in the semifinal round.
Peniston and Watson, who earned the Tigers' first win in the NCAA doubles tournament in school history, were selected as the fourth alternate team to the tournament. After three victories throughout the week, the tandem capped their senior seasons with the best postseason doubles finish in program history.
"It was such a fun week for both of these guys," head coach Paul Goebel said. "They represented the University of Memphis and the city of Memphis with such class and sportsmanship."
After falling behind 0-2 early, Memphis held and broke back to even the first set at 2-2. UCLA picked up another break point to take a 5-3 lead and kept the momentum to win the opening frame.
Both teams held serve throughout the second set to force a tiebreak, sparked by a 0-40 rally by Memphis to hold in the third game. The Tigers provided a comeback in the tiebreak and held a 5-4 lead, but the Bruins answered back and took the set and the match, 6-3, 7-6(6).
"It's been a great four years for both Ryan and Andrew," Goebel added. "Finishing so well in the NCAA Tournament is a fitting ending to their collegiate careers."
Players Mentioned
