TULSA, Okla.— Simon Pritchard concluded competition at the 2015 ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma Monday (Oct. 5) and Tuesday (Oct. 6) afternoon, picking up a win in the prestigious men's tennis tournament for the Kennesaw State Owls.

"First of all, I would like to thank the athletic department, especially PA Matt Griffin, for allowing us to attend such a great event," Director of Tennis, Eduardo Rincon said. "The All-American tournament in Tulsa is one of the best collegiate tournaments and we're fortunate to be able to participate in it. Simon earned his way into the qualifying draw for the first time and that was very exciting."

Pritchard was the lone Owl that competed in the tournament that saw over 400 players participate in one of the biggest tournaments of the academic calendar year. Led by Rincon, who was appointed Director of Tennis earlier in 2015, Pritchard –ranked No. 99 in the ITA rankings—entered the draw in the qualifying round for the first time in his career and came up just short in three sets (6-2, 2-6, 6-4) to a very good player at Oklahoma State.

"During his first match Simon started kind of nervous but once he settled down he started playing very well," Rincon said.

However, Pritchard bounced back with an impressive three set (7-5, 0-6, 7-6) victory in a hard-fought, come-from-behind victory over a talented player from Vanderbilt, grabbing his first win at the ITA All-American Championships in the qualifying rounds.

"His second match was a little bit of a roller coaster and he found himself in a big hole trailing 0-3 in the third set. Luckily he started paying attention to the details and was able to execute. He actually finished the match playing what's probably the best tennis he's ever played as an Owl," Rincon said. "As in any sport, to win a match coming back from behind is very rewarding. Simon showed a lot of resilience during the whole trip and great determination to keep improving."

Pritchard and Rincon will be set to return to the Owls for action this weekend (Oct. 9-11) at the Mercer Tournament in Macon, Georgia.

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