Junior Alexey Tsyrenov represented Tigers at NCAA Singles Tournament
The 2008 men’s tennis team brought its season to a close May 22.
The season concluded with an appearance by a lone Tiger in the NCAA Tennis Singles Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.
Junior Alexey Tsyrenov, ranked 27th nationally, represented the Tigers.
The Russia native advanced from the first round of the Championships May 21 with a two sets to one victory against Tennessee Tech’s Borja Zarco, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.
Head coach Eric Shore said he was pleased with Tsyrenov’s performance in the opening round of competition.
“Alexey played really well. He had a tough first game loss in the first round against a kind of opponent he doesn’t like to see, but he bounced back and took the match,” Shore said.
In the second round of 32, Tsyrenov’s tournament run came to an end when he met Lars Poerschke of Baylor.
Tsyrenov came out with a strong performance, but Poerschke battled back, winning the first set 7-5 and sealed the victory in the second set 6-4.
“Alexey did a great job this year, playing the No. 1 singles and doubles all season long, posting positive records, and giving us so many points,” said freshman teammate Tim Puetz.
The loss signaled the end of the season for Tsyrenov and the Tigers.
Shore said it was a great overall year for Tsyrenov.
“He played well and stepped up, making the NCAA tournament, and I’m looking forward to big things from him next year,” Shore said.
Tsyrenov traveled home to Russia shortly after the season and was unable to be reached for comment.
He was named to the All-SEC first team, finishing with a 6-5 conference record and 13-13 overall on the year.
The team completed the season with an 11-13 overall record and a 31 national ranking.
Shore characterized the season as a “bit of a rebuilding year,” but thought the team performed well.
Assistant coach Gabor Pelva expressed high expectations for next year’s season.
“Last year, we lost our top two guys, and we thought we might struggle, but some of our guys stepped it up, and with those guys still in the line-up, I feel we will have a good team next year."
Pelva believes the addition of a strong recruit to the squad would solidify their chances of a top ranking next year.
“We finished 31st and were pretty pleased with that for this season, but we will definitely expect to play better next year,” said Pelva. “If we get the right player, I feel like we can break the top 25, if not the top 20, and be consistent there.”
