PALM DESERT/INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The first half of the season came to a close for California men's tennis on Thursday at the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships, as seniors Billy Griffith and J.T. Nishimura lost in doubles and freshman Jack Molloy fell in singles.
 
Playing in the consolation round of 32, Molloy forced Kentucky's William Bushamuka – the nation's ninth-ranked player – to three sets before losing 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-0. Griffith, ranked 49th, defaulted in his consolation round of 32 match against Tulane's 77th-ranked Ewan Moore.
 
In consolation doubles, the 39th-ranked duo of Nishimura and Griffith battled Michigan's Alex Knight and Runhao Hua but lost, 6-2, 5-7, 1-0(8).
 
"While we didn't win here in Indian Wells, our guys played some solid matches, and I felt overall we competed well. Jack Molloy performed well, and J.T. and Billy lost two third-set tiebreakers in very close matches."
 
Cal starts the dual-match part of its season when it plays Bryant at the University of Tulsa on Jan. 12 and then plays the host Golden Hurricane on Jan. 14.
 
Oracle ITA National Fall Championships
Nov. 2 in Palm Desert, Calif.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
 
Consolation Singles
 
Round of 32
No. 77 Ewan Moore (Tulane) vs. No. 49 Billy Griffith (Cal), default
No. 9 William Bushamuka (Kentucky) def. Jack Molloy (Cal), 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-0
 
Oracle ITA National Fall Championships
Nov. 2 in Indian Wells, Calif.
Indian Wells Tennis Garden
 
Consolation Doubles
 
Round of 16
Alex Knight/Runhao Hua (Michigan) def. No. 39 Billy Griffith/J.T. Nishimura (Cal), 6-2, 5-7, 1-0(8)