Grinnell College's Juan Carlos Perez '11 lost in the opening round of singles play at the NCAA Division III National Tennis Tournament Friday, May 22, in Claremont, Calif.
Middlebury's Conrad Olson, seeded seventh in the field, defeated Perez by scores of 6-1 and 6-0 to advance to the second round. Perez finishes his 2009 campaign with a 26-6 record.
"There could have been better matchups for Juan, but that's the luck of the draw," said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. "The player from Middlebury certainly has tournament experience and that proved to help him at times during the match. Although the score looked decisive, Juan played some really good points and they were long points. We're excited for his future. Making the tournament is a great honor and now he understands the level of play at the top of the NCAA and it's something to which he can aspire."
Grinnell's Dan LaFountaine '09 and Nate Fox '09 will face David Ashlock and Dustin Phillips of Tyler-Texas in the opening round of doubles play later Friday.
