PALM DESERT, Calif. – Mohanad Alhouni (Sr., Tripoli, Libya) was defeated in the singles round of 64 Wedneday afternoon at the 2017 Oracle ITA National Fall Championships at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort.
Stahinja Rakic of Mississippi State University, who was ranked No. 67 in the ITA Division I preseason singles rankings, defeated Alhoui 6-0, 6-1.
“Mohanad competed well today,” said Head Coach Tommy Valentini. “Overall he did a great job embracing this incredible experience. His opponent from Mississippi State played at a very high level and Mo responded well and made some good adjustments. He did well to stay positive throughout the match. After feeling this level today, he’ll learn a lot from this one and be ready to compete and enjoy tomorrow.”
Alhouni will compete in the singles round of 32 in the consolation bracket tomorrow, taking on Jimmy Bendeck of Baylor University at 11:15 a.m. (PST).
As the ITA Oracle Cup Division III singles champion, Alhouni qualified for the 2017 Oracle ITA National Fall Championships singles draws. The ITA National Fall Championships, which serves as the concluding event to the fall portion of the college tennis schedule, is the only intercollegiate event to feature competitors from all five divisions competing for a national championship.