POMONA, Calif-  In a battle of nationally-ranked squads, the 36th-ranked Sonoma State men's tennis team fell to No. 40 Western New Mexico, 5-3, in neutral court action played Friday in Pomona.  The Seawolves drop to 5-7 on the season while the Mustangs tie the season series at one and improve to 5-6.

Drexler Dy, playing No. 5 singles had just won the second set, but the third set was not played since the team result was clinched.  Since Western New Mexico was to play Cal Poly Pomona immediately after the match, it was decided that the teams would play until one clinched.

The day got off to an inauspicious start for the Seawolves as the No. 1 doubles team of Connor Olson and Taylor Bianco led 6-1 at one point and had two match points, only to lose 9-7.  That match would swing the doubles competition to the Mustangs as they took the No. 2 slot as well.

The teams would effectively split singles play with Western New Mexico winning at 1, 2, and 3 and Sonoma State taking 4 and 6, and leading at 5. 

Quan Vu had a nice day for the Seawolves, winning with Andrew Khuri-Yakub at No. 3 doubles, then coming back for a 6-3, 7-5 win at No. 4 singles.

Scott Gaynor also picked up a point for the Seawolves with a decisive 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 6 singles.

The Seawolves will regroup to take on Pomona-Pitzer, the nation's 30th-ranked NCAA Division III team, tomorrow afternoon.

Box Score:  Western New Mexico 5, Sonoma State 3