Western Illinois drops 4-3 decision to IUPUI

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Western Illinois men's tennis team dropped a 4-3 decision to IUPUI in the second day of the Summit League cluster hosted by UMKC Saturday.

“This was another tough match and we just didn't get it done in the end,” Western Illinois head coach Michael Hunt said. “Give credit to IUPUI for coming back after being down 3-0. Our guys fought; IUPUI just outfought us and pulled out the big comeback win.”

Jeff Cote earned Western's first doubles point as he took No. 1 singles, 6-2 and 6-1. Patrick Hammers recorded the Fighting Leathernecks' only other singles point as he won 6-2 in each set of the No. 4 singles flight. Mandela Shepard fell at the No. 2 spot, 7-6 (5) and 6-4, and Alejandro Buceta fell at the No. 6 spot 7-6 (6) and 6-1.

The Leathernecks earned the doubles point with Cote and James McGuire winning the No. 1 court, 8-2. Shepard and Hammers secured the point as they teamed up for a win on the No. 3 court, 8-1.

“I thought we played our best doubles of the entire year and normally the team that wins the doubles wins the match. So, we didn't get it done where we should have. Plain and simple,” Hunt said. “Now, we are in a must-win situation tomorrow against South Dakota State in order to qualify for the conference tournament. I like our chances, but we have to play with more poise, confidence and experience than we did today.”

Western Illinois will wrap up the third day of the Summit League cluster with a 9 a.m. match against South Dakota State, Saturday, April 11.

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Players Mentioned

Mandela Shepard: PLAYER; Sophomore

Patrick Hammers: PLAYER; Sophomore

Jeff Cote: PLAYER; Junior

Alejandro Buceta: PLAYER; Junior

Players Mentioned

Mandela Shepard
: Sophomore
: PLAYER

Patrick Hammers
: Sophomore
: PLAYER

Jeff Cote
: Junior
: PLAYER

Alejandro Buceta
: Junior
: PLAYER