Men’s Tennis: Lions break through

MOBILE, Ala. — The Vanguard University men’s tennis team is the only undefeated team in the nation. The Lions want to end the season with that distinction because it will mean an NAIA national championship.

Vanguard, the No. 3 seed, took one step closer to that goal with a 5-2 victory over Xavier (La.) in the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championship Thursday. The Lions (24-0) advance to the NAIA semifinals for the first time since 2004. They have not reached the final as they have not placed higher than third.

They’ll play against second-seeded Auburn Montgomery in the semifinals Friday morning.

Vanguard dropped both doubles sets to Xavier, 8-5. But the Lions bounced back in singles action and claimed four singles wins. Roger Muri clinched the win for the Lions with a 6-2, 6-4, victory over Nikita Soifer in No. 2 singles.

Auburn Montgomery advanced to its first semifinals since 2011 after defeating Cumberland (Tenn.), 5-2.

Yahor Kryvaruchka and Daymon Johnson also earned wins for Vanguard in singles.

Kryvaruchka defeated Viktor Svoboda, 7-5, 6-1, at No. 4 singles. Johnson beat Benjamin Brading, 6-2, 6-2, at No. 5 singles.

Radek Rosiak won by default at No. 6 singles.

Top-seeded Embry-Riddle (Fla.) advanced to the semifinals after defeating fourth-seeded Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) on Thursday morning. The Eagles have advanced to the semifinals in every national championship since 2005 and will face Westmont in the semifinals.

— From staff reports