INDIANAPOLIS - The Western Illinois Men's Tennis team remained undefeated in Summit League action with a 5-2 win over IUPUI on Saturday, April 9.

The Fighting Leathernecks (8-12, 4-0) remained in the top spot in The Summit League with the victory and picked up their fourth win in five matches.

"Our team put forth a great effort against IUPUI," said head coach Chris Kane. "After we lost the doubles point, I really got on our players to perform better in singles play. They delivered by playing with great enthusiasm and determination."

Western Illinois dropped two of three doubles matches but was able to pull out wins in five of the six singles matches to pick up the victory.

"We had some great individual performances today," said Kane. "Jeff Cote trailed 5-4 in the third set of his match but showed great determination to win three games in a row and help us to a victory."

Cote defeated Ivan Mojsejev at the No. 1 spot (6-1, 3-6, 7-5) while Patrick Hammers defeated Dan Klingenberg in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) at the No. 3 position.

"Patrick had a great performance today and easily handled the reigning Summit League 'Player of the Week'," said Kane. "Alex Buceta recovered from a slow start to grind out a long, three-set win and Francisco Ortiz really showed off his improved footwork in his win."

Buceta fell behind early to Joel Modesitt before rallying to pull out the win at No. 4 singles (3-6, 6-4, 6-4) while Ortiz won in straight sets at the No. 5 position (6-4, 6-3).

Jim Capalbo played through a back injury to defeat IUPUI's Joe Hammond in straight sets at No. 6 singles (6-2, 7-6).

"Jim's performance today was just inspiring," said Kane. "He was six points away from a win before badly pulling a muscle in his back, but he refused to quit and pulled out the win in an outstanding and gritty effort."

IUPUI was able to secure a point in doubles play by picking up victories in the No. 2 and No. 3 matches. The Leatherneck team of Ortiz/Mandela Shepard was victorious at the No. 1 spot (8-7).

"At the beginning of the year, most people did not even have us picked to make the league tournament," said Kane. "I think we are proving a lot of people wrong. We have our toughest matches ahead of us, but the determination, competitiveness and hard work of our players is paying dividends right now."