Cullimore Claims Second Classic Doubles Title

PROVO, Utah - Freshman Keaton Cullimore and high school senior John Pearce claimed the doubles title for the second year in a row during what turned into a Cougar showdown Friday during the Utah Fall Tennis Classic.

The defending doubles champion duo of Cullimore and Pearce battled it out against the No. 1 pair of senior Spencer Smith and freshman Francis Sargeant to claim the two-peat with a narrow 9-7 victory.

“It’s always exciting repeating,” Cullimore said. “It was a battle and I’m glad we dug it out. It’s fun playing against these guys but it’s probably a little more competitive. You don’t want to lose to your friends.”

Sargeant and Smith reached the final after cruising past Boise State’s Aidan Reid and Scott Sears 8-3. Cullimore and Pearce advanced past BYU freshman David Doehring and sophomore Patrick Kawka, 8-4.

Four of the five BYU players competing in the singles quarterfinals defeated their opponents to move on to the all-Cougar semifinals. Boise State’s Garrett Patton and Scott Sears took No. 1 seed junior Spencer Smith and freshman Keaton Cullimore, respectively, to three sets but were unable to overcome the Cougar talent.

Freshman Francis Sargeant topped John Pearce and No. 2 seed sophomore Patrick Kawka defeated Michael Eraso, who was just added to the BYU roster, to advance to the quarterfinals.

The semifinals were a matchup between the news guy and the veterans as the doubles duo of Sargeant and Smith parted ways to battle each other while Cullimore challenged Kawka. Both matches were a close fight, as each ended with a second set tiebreaker. Smith advanced to the final over Sargeant, 6-4, 7-6, while Cullimore passed Kawka 6-2, 7-6.

Smith and Cullimore will face each other once again in a final, this time in singles, Saturday at 10 a.m. at the BYU Outdoor Tennis Courts, located behind the Smith Fieldhouse. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Spectators may park in the “Y Lot” parking lot.

This event is sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association. The collegiate athletes do not represent their schools in this tournament, but participate as individuals.

To access more information on the tournament, click here.