Men’s Tennis: Lions suffer first loss

MOBILE, Ala. — A trip to the NAIA National Championship title match appeared so promising for the Vanguard University men’s tennis team.

The No. 3-seeded Lions, who entered the semifinals with a 24-0 record, built a 2-1 lead in doubles. However, No. 2 seed Auburn Montgomery dominated in singles to earn a 5-2 victory and a spot in Saturday’s NAIA National Championship final.

Auburn Montgomery will be looking for its 10th national championship when they face Embry-Riddle (Fla.) in the title match at 10 a.m.

Vanguard started off hot as Stefan Kilehofer and Rogers Muri took the No. 1 doubles set, 8-6. The Lions continued to win in doubles as Lucas Larsson and Robin Wagner claimed No. 2 doubles, 8-5.

Auburn Montgomery salvaged one point in doubles as they won No. 3 doubles, 8-6.

Auburn Montgomery overcame the deficit in singles action as the Warhawks did not drop a set in singles against Vanguard.

The Warhawks are in the championship match for the eighth time in 14 appearances at the national championship, since the team format started in 2000.

— From staff reports