SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's tennis team knocked visiting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi from the land of the unbeaten, defeating the Islanders in thrilling fashion, 4-3, Tuesday afternoon from Mabry Tennis Center.
 
With the match tied at 3-all, former Southland Conference Player of the Week, Gabriel Evans, won the clincher in #1 singles by a score of 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4). It marks the first-ever victory for the Cardinals over TAMUCC. UIW has won seven of its last nine matches, with the only losses coming at No. 38 Baylor on Mar. 29.
 
Today's win sets up a crucial regular season-ending matchup with Abilene Christian, which is the only other remaining undefeated team in Southland Conference play. The Wildcats will come into the Alamo City on Saturday with a 14-8 overall record and 3-0 in SLC play. First serve on Saturday's "Senior Day" is set for 11 a.m.

"I want to start off by thanking all of the fans that showed up to help support our team," said head coach, Jonas Andersson. "It came down to the last match and they helped us pull it out. Also, the endless support from our administrative staff who have been backing us this whole season. I'm so proud of the guys for stepping up in their first year of conference eligibility and beating a team that has won the Southland Conference many times, which makes it all more special."
 
FINAL
@ UIW 4, TAMUCC 3
 
SINGLES

1. Gabriel Evans (UIW) def. Francois Kellerman (TAMUCC), 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4)
2. William Mottet (TAMUCC) def. Paco Bendana (UIW), 3-6, 7-6, 6-2
3. Sebastian Mortier (UIW) def. Thomas Rodrigues (TAMUCC), 7-5, 6-2
4. Joey Vatanadilok (UIW) def. Okkie Kellerman (TAMUCC), 6-2, 7-5
5. Carlos Pedrosa (TAMUCC) def. Ivanhoe Lissanevitch (UIW), 6-2, 6-2
6. Kyohei Yamanaka (TAMUCC) def. Caleb Dyer (UIW), 6-2, 6-4

 
DOUBLES

1. Evans/Mortier (UIW) def. Rodrigues/Mottet (TAMUCC), 6-4
2. Kellerman/Kellerman (TAMUCC) def. Bendana/Vatanadilok (UIW), 6-3
3. Lissanevitch/Dyer (UIW) def. David Ambrozic/Daiki Tanabe (TAMUCC), 6-4

 
UP NEXT

UIW hosts Abilene Christian on "Senior Day", Saturday, Apr. 14 at 11 a.m. from the Mabry Tennis Center.

STAY TUNED

The 2018 Southland Conference Tennis Tournament is scheduled for Apr. 27-29 from the Beaumont Municipal Tennis Center in Beaumont, Texas.

To purchase tickets, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.