Keaton Cullimore celebrates after winning a point in a match against Utah. Cullimore won both of his No. 1 singles matches this weekend. (Ari Davis)
The Cougars faced in-state rival Utah State University on Friday in Logan and then traveled back to Provo for a match against West Coast Conference opponent Santa Clara University on Saturday.
In Logan, the Cougars fought hard but ultimately fell to Utah State University 4-3. After losing the doubles point, the Cougars came out swinging in singles play. Matthew Pearce took the first singles point, followed by Jacob Sullivan with his 10th singles victory of the season.
With the score tied 2-2, Cullimore was able to come back and defeat in No. 2 ranked player in the region at first singles, putting BYU ahead 3-2. But, John Pearce lost his match, tying up the match again. Ultimately, Aidan Carrazedo fell short at No. 6 singles giving the Aggies the win.
On Saturday night in Provo, the Cougars were able to bounce back and earned their second WCC win of the season against Santa Clara.
Matthew Pearce serves the ball in his match against Weber State earlier this season. Pearce won both of his matches this weekend. (Ari Davis)
BYU won the doubles point for the 11th time this season and headed into singles play looking strong.
'We had a great doubles performance tonight and I thought we competed really well at every position,' BYU head coach Brad Pearce said. 'I was also really impressed with the fight of Santa Clara. We got up 3-0 early, and they just didn't go away. My hat goes off to their effort.'
Keaton Cullimore won his second No. 1 singles match for the weekend, followed by a win for Matthew Pearce. But, losses for Jeremy Bourgeois and Sullivan brought Santa Clara within only one point of BYU.
Luckily for the Cougars, John Pearce dominated his match and sealed the victory for BYU.
BYU is currently 2-0 for conference play. This week BYU travels to Las Vegas to take on regional opponent UNLV on Saturday, March 11.