Men’s Tennis Season Ends

Saturday, April 23

Omaha, Neb.

1:30 p.m.

South Dakota State University

Omaha

Senior Mateus Moreira

Photo by: Inertia Sports Media/Dave Eggen

4/23/2016 9:57:00 PM | Men's Tennis

OMAHA—The match came down to the final set, but the South Dakota State men's tennis team lost 4-3 at Omaha in Summit League action Saturday afternoon at Miracle Hill Tennis Center to end the 2015-16 season.

With the loss, SDSU finishes 12-11 overall and 1-3 in league play while the Mavericks improve to 10-14 overall and 1-3 in league play. UNO advances to The Summit League Championship next weekend in Omaha.

"Today was one of the most fun matches I have ever been a part of. Both teams came ready to play and it was a three and half-hour battle from start to finish. It is tough to end the season with a result like this, but we left everything we had on the court," sixth-year head coach Michael Engdahl said. "Our seniors were amazing and played the type of last match they can be proud of and remember for a long time. I couldn't be more proud of the senior class. They have done so much for SDSU and the work they have put in over the last four years has laid a solid foundation for nothing but great things in the future. The loss hurts, but I couldn't ask for more fight from the best group of guys I have been around in a long time."

The final point was decided at No. 1 singles. Senior Lovro Curcija had three match points in the final set, but lost 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 7-5.

The Jackrabbits fell behind 1-0 after losing the doubles point. Senior Mateus Moreira and freshman Emerson Styles won their ninth dual match of the season, 6-2, at No. 1 doubles.

Omaha took a 2-0 lead with a win at No. 2 singles, but SDSU won the next three matches to take a 3-2 lead. Styles won 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3 and sophomore Marco Paulo Castro came out on top at No. 6 in a three-set match, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. Moreira won his three-set match at No. 4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. UNO tied the match with a win at No. 5.