Ghilea Strong on Day One of Regionals

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Oklahoma men's tennis team completed the first day of play at the 2015 ITA Central Region Championships on Thursday. Junior Alex Ghilea led the way for the Sooners.

Ghilea, who earned a bye in the round of 124, bested Carlos Bautista of Tulsa 6-2, 6-1 in his lone match of the day. Ghilea is the highest ranked Sooner in the field and is the tournament's No. 3 overall seed.

“Alex played very well today against a very good opponent in Bautista,” head coach John Roddick said. “He did a great job of executing and extending his lead. He also kept his unforced errors really low.”

With the win, Ghilea is set to face Bayo Phillips of Drake on Friday, not before noon.

Redshirt freshman John Milstead and junior Sam Gray also saw action for the Sooners on Thursday. Milstead picked up his first collegiate win in the first round of play with a 6-4, 6-3 mark over Alex Koca of Creighton. Milstead dropped his second round match Michal Kianicka of SIUC. Gray fell to Shane Trebisky of SIUC in his first round match.

“John had his first college win today and did a great job of working on what he needs to improve,” Roddick said. “Sam lost a tough one, but he competed very hard.”

Gray will square off with William Albanese of host team Arkansas in the consolation draw Friday, nor before 12:30 p.m.

For more information on OU Men's Tennis, follow the team on Twitter at @OU_MTennis.