UTA Men’s Tennis Falls in Heartbreaking WAC Semifinal
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ARLINGTON — May 9, 2024 — The UTA Mavericks men’s tennis team suffered a heartbreaking defeat, losing to Abilene Christian University, 4-2, in the Western athletic Conference (WAC) tournament semifinals. The match, held at the Arlington Tennis Center, saw the UTA team struggle in singles play after a strong start in doubles. This loss ended the Mavericks’ hopes of a three-peat.
UTA Men’s Tennis Falls in Heartbreaking WAC Semifinal
ARLINGTON, Texas—The No. 2 seeded University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Mavericks men’s tennis team saw its season come too a close with a 4-2 loss to No. 3 Abilene Christian University (ACU) Wildcats in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) tournament semifinals. The match took place Friday at the Arlington Tennis Center.
Abilene Christian advances to face No. 1 Grand Canyon University for the championship.
Doubles Domination, Singles Struggle
UTA secured the doubles point with victories on the top two courts. Meethre Barot and Pedro Sasso defeated ACU’s merse Deli and Daniel Morozov 6-3 on Court 1. Federico Garbero and Daniel Pérez-Caraballo clinched the point for the Mavericks, defeating Ethan Scribner and Alejandro Verdasco 6-4 on Court 2, giving UTA a 1-0 lead heading into singles play.
Did You Know?
In college tennis,doubles matches are played first,with each match worth one point towards the team total. Winning the doubles point can provide a significant momentum boost for the team entering singles competition.
Despite the strong start, the Mavericks faltered in singles.
Singles Results
- Mattia Ricci lost to Merse Deli on Court 3 in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, tying the score at 1-1.
- Andres medus regained the lead for UTA with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Dennis Dutine on court 2, making it 2-1.
- daniel Morozov defeated Meethre Barot on court 1 in three sets, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, leveling the score at 2-2.
- Federico Garbero lost a close three-set match on Court 6 to Benjamin McDonald, 2-6, 6-1, 6-7, giving ACU a 3-2 lead.
- Pedro Sasso fell to Tomas Tischner on Court 4 in a heartbreaker, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, clinching the victory for Abilene Christian.
Pro Tip
In tennis, a “clinch” refers to the moment when a team or player secures enough points to win the overall match, regardless of the outcome of any remaining matches.
The Mavericks’ quest for a three-peat as WAC Tournament champions ended with this defeat.
Match summary
UTA 2, ACU 4
Singles
- Daniel Morozov (ACU) def. Meethre Barot (UTA) 5-7, 6-2, 6-4
- Andres Medus (UTA) def. Dennis Dutine (ACU) 6-3,6-2
- Merse deli (ACU) def. Mattia Ricci (UTA) 6-4, 6-4
- Tomas Tischner (ACU) def. pedro Sasso (UTA) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3
- Yazid Lahjomri (UTA) vs. Martin Delnido (ACU) 6-4, 3-6, 1-0, unfinished
- Benjamin McDonald (ACU) def. Federico Garbero (UTA) 6-2, 1-6, 7-6
Order of Finish: 3, 2, 1, 6, 4
Doubles
- Meethre Barot / Pedro Sasso (UTA) def. Merse Deli / Daniel Morozov (ACU) 6-3
- federico Garbero / Daniel Pérez-Caraballo (UTA) def. Ethan Scribner / Alejandro Verdasco (ACU) 6-4
- andres Medus / Mattia ricci (UTA) vs. Matheus Lima / Benjamin McDonald (ACU) 4-3, unfinished
Order of Finish: 1, 2
frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What was the final score of the match?
A: Abilene Christian won 4-2. - Q: Who did UTA defeat to win the doubles point?
A: Meethre Barot and Pedro Sasso defeated Merse Deli and Daniel Morozov, and Federico Garbero and Daniel Pérez-caraballo defeated Ethan Scribner and Alejandro Verdasco. - Q: Who will Abilene Christian play in the championship?
A: Abilene christian will face Grand Canyon University.
