Joost Wins Doubles Title at ASU Invitational

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sophomore Branden Joost teamed with Middle Tennessee State’s John Peers to win the doubles championship Sunday at the ASU Thunderbird Invitational at the Whiteman Tennis Center in Tempe, Ariz. The pair defeated host team TJ Bellama and Juan Carlos Rebaza, 9-8(4).

      “I’m obviously pleased with the way Branden played this weekend,” head coach Robert Cox said. “He and John played very well together which is difficult to do for two guys who have never played together, so it’s a credit to them to win three tough matches on their way to the championship.”

      Razorback freshman Chris Nott lost the singles third-place match to Rebaza in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Nott finishes the fall season with a team-best 10-5 record.

      In consolation matches, Joost was beaten by Derrick Davison, 6-3, 7-6(5) and Auburn’s Lukas Marsoun defeated Tyler Tarnasky, 6-4, 7-5. Nott and Tarnasky lost their doubles match with Marsoun and Alex Petropolous, 8-5.

      “Even with the losses today, I thought these young guys played well here to end our fall season,” Cox said.

      The Razorback tennis team will return to action when they open the spring portion of their schedule Jan. 18-20 with the RazoRacket Invitational in Fayetteville. Log on to www.hogwired.com for continued coverage of Arkansas tennis.

DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP

Branden Joost (UA)/John Peers (MTSU) def. TJ Bellama/Juan Carlos Rebaza (ASU), 9-8(4)

THIRD-PLACE MATCH

Juan Carlos Rebaza (ASU) def. Chris Nott (UA), 6-4, 6-4

CONSOLATION SINGLES

Derrick Davison (MTSU) def. Branden Joost (UA), 6-3, 7-6(5)

Lukas Marsoun (Auburn) def. Tyler Tarnasky (UA), 6-4, 7-5

CONSOLATION DOUBLES