Men's Tennis Drops Summit League Dual at South Dakota State

WIU looks to bounce back Saturday against Denver

BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Western Illinois men's tennis team kicked off a stretch of three Summit League matches in three days Friday (April 1) evening, as the Leathernecks faced South Dakota State. Western was unable to notch the league victory, falling 7-0 to the Jackrabbits. WIU moves to 0-11 (0-3 Summit) while SDSU improves to 11-8 (1-1).

"Nikola (Pavlovic) had our most competitive match this evening. Our players faced a team today which was prepared for the match," said head coach Mashiska Washington.

Nikola Pavlovic and Surya Sawhney took to the top doubles spot Friday, but couldn't get on the board as the duo fell 6-2. Western two other doubles teams each dropped 6-0 decisions as South Dakota State earned the doubles point.

As action rolled into singles play, Pavlovic once again led the team at No. 1 singles. After dropping the first set, 6-1, Pavlovic nearly forced a third set before being outlasted 6-4. Ross Smith battled in the No. 3 spot, but ultimately fell 6-0, 6-3. Elsewhere, Sawhney took to No. 2 singles and was defeated 6-0, 6-2. Jacob Sanders (No. 4), Christopher Nozum (No. 5), and Brady Smith (No. 6) each fell in straight sets as SDSU took the match.

Western remains in Brookings for a neutral site league contest against Denver. The Leathernecks and Pioneers will get Saturday's (April 2) match started at 12 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Nikola Pavlovic: Senior

Jacob Sanders: Sophomore

Surya Sawhney: Sophomore

Ross Smith: Senior

Christopher Nozum: Freshman

Brady Smith: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Nikola Pavlovic
: Senior

Jacob Sanders
: Sophomore

Surya Sawhney
: Sophomore

Ross Smith
: Senior

Christopher Nozum
: Freshman

Brady Smith
: Freshman