MU Freshman Tennis Standouts Honored by A-Sun

MACON, Ga. – Mercer University’s men’s and women’s tennis teams each had a player honored on the Atlantic Sun Conference’s “All-Freshman Team” in their respective sports, it was announced today. The freshman tandem receiving the accolades was Guilherme Frias for the Bears’ men’s squad and Lucie Payrat for the women’s team.

Frias, playing No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles for MU, was an immediate force in 2011. The Rio de Janeiro, Brazil native amassed a record of 10-9 in singles play.  In doubles, Frias played 13 of his 18 matches with senior Fernando Armendaris, rolling up an 11-2 record (7-2 in A-Sun matches).  Frias had a composite 14-4 mark in doubles.

Frias and his MU teammates will be playing in the first round of the A-Sun championships on Thursday (April 14) versus Stetson University in DeLand, Fla.

Payrat, from  Cessan-Sevigne, France, had a banner rookie season for the Bears’ women’s team. Payrat ended 2011 with a 10-match win streak playing mainly at No. 4 singles (and No. 3 the final two contests). She was 14-5 overall in 2011 and was Mercer’s only player in double-figure victory totals in singles play, including an 8-2 mark in the A-Sun.

Payrat also played second doubles for MU.

“I am very proud of both Guilherme and Lucie,” MU head coach Warren Woolfolk said. “They both were outstanding contributors to their teams and both have a very bright future in tennis. I am looking forward to seeing them develop and grow as players.”