HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The University of Alabama in Huntsville men's tennis team fell by the narrowest of margins on Thursday, dropping a 5-4 decision to visiting Delta State. UAH falls to 9-8 (0-3 GSC) while the Statesmen move to 8-3 (3-2 GSC).
 
“It's always hard to lose these kinds of matches – especially when you have to play without one of your most solid pieces in the lineup,” said Head Coach Daniel Finn, referring to the fact that Christopher Kano missed the match due to injury. “Chris is already close to being back, and I have good faith he will be back by next week. For the kids to battle like they did without him it is a good sign of the fight they have. Next week it only gets tougher but we will get some much needed rest this weekend and go right back at it next week.”
 
The Chargers captured the first point of the contest, winning 8-3 as Jose Soto and Nestor Perez teamed up for a triumph at the first position in doubles, but the visitors won 8-3 and 8-4 at the second and third in doubles, respectively, to take a 2-1 lead into singles action.
 
The match was quickly leveled when Soto won 6-4, 6-3 at the No. 1, but Delta State quickly jumped back out in front 3-2 with a win at the third spot. At that point, Fredrik Graaner battled through a three-hour long match, but ultimately fell 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to give DSU the significant 4-2 advantage with three matches left and UAH needing to take each one.
 
Unfortunately, DSU would capture the fifth point with a 6-3, 6-4 win at the fifth position to close out the match.
 
Nestor Perez won 7-5, 6-2 while Raphael Oliveira won 6-4, 6-2 to provide UAH with its other two points to create the 5-4 final.
 
UAH returns to action at Shorter on Tuesday, April 2.