May 12, 2007

STILLWATER, Okla. - Despite leading 3-1, the California men's tennis team couldn't wrap up a victory and fell to Oklahoma, 4-3, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the DeBois Tennis Center on the campus of Oklahoma State.

The Golden Bears (14-10) rebounded after losing a tough doubles point to start the match. No. 26 junior Pierre Mouillon got Cal on the board when he beat No. 83 Vaclav Kucera, 6-2, 6-3, on the top court.

On the fourth court, Daniel Sebescen gave the Bears the lead turning in a dominating performance. The senior defeated Rob McKenzie in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. Following Sebescen's victory, junior Ken Nakahara increased the Bears' lead to 3-1 when he beat Sergey Avdeyev, 6-2, 6-2, on the fifth court.

Cal was unable to pick up the fourth victory, with freshman Kallim Stewart and senior Tyler Browne losing their matches in three sets to complete the Sooner comeback.

Sophomores Geoff Chizever and Eoin Heavey notched one doubles win for Cal. The duo got the best of Kucera and McKenzie, 8-5.

Oklahoma (20-8) advances to the second round where it will face the winner of Oklahoma State and Sacramento State on Sunday.

The season doesn't end for Mouillon who will compete in the NCAA singles individual draw, which starts May 23 in Athens, Ga.

Singles Results:
No. 1- #26 Pierre Mouillon (Cal) def. #83 Vaclav Kucera (OU); 6-2, 6-3
No. 2- Marek Velicka (OU) vs. Tyler Browne (Cal); 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
No. 3- Andrei Daescu (OU) def. Eoin Heavey (Cal); 6-2, 6-4
No. 4- Daniel Sebescen (Cal) def. Rob McKenzie (OU); 6-1, 6-1
No. 5- Ken Nakahara (Cal) def. Sergey Avdeyev (OU); 6-2, 6-2
No. 6- Federico Chavarria (OU) def. Kallim Stewart (Cal); 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

Order of finish: 1, 4, 5, 3, 6, 2

Doubles Results:
No. 1- #27 Chavarria/Daescu (OU) def. Browne/John Pettit (Cal); 8-4
No. 2- Geoff Chizever/Heavey (Cal) def. Kucera/McKenzie (OU); 8-5
No. 3- Velicka/Ryan Thomas (OU) def. Mouillon/Sebescen (Cal); 9-7

Order of finish: 1, 2, 3