GLENDALE, Ariz.-  Sonoma State got out to an early advantage after doubles play, but a strong singles performance by Western New Mexico gave the Mustangs a narrow 5-4 win over the Seawolves in neutral court action at the Paseo Racquet Center in Glendale, Arizona.  The Seawolves see their two-match winning streak snapped as they fall to 2-3 on the season. 

After moving out to a 2-1 lead in doubles play, thanks to wins at No. 2 (#David Hutton/Seth Hein) and No. 3 (Drexler Dy/Jimmy Manning), the Seawolves looked good.  However, the mood turned quickly as all six Seawolves lost their first singles set.  With consecutive wins at No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5, the Mustangs drew to within a point of the match win.

With no room for error, Matt Roberts and Hutton stormed back to win their matches at No. 1 and No. 3, respectively.  This brought the Seawolves level with the Mustangs and turned all eyes towards the No. 6 court and Greg Eckstedt. 

While Eckstedt got to play hero on Thursday in the Seawolves' 5-4 win over Montana State-Billings, things would turn out differently on Saturday.  After losing the first set, Eckstedt played a dominating second, winning 6-1.  Unfortunately, he got down early in the third and couldn't break his opponent, who eventually served out the match at 40-0.

After the match, head coach Steve Cunninghame was proud of his team, saying, "We had great team support and spirit was showed by the entire team.  Today, we just came up short."

The Seawolves will conclude their trip to Glendale tomorrow when they take on UC San Diego. 


Western New Mexico 5, Sonoma State 4
February 11, 2012 at Glendale, Ariz.

DOUBLES
1.  Welch/Fuentes (WNMU) def. Henke/Roberts (SSU), 8-5
2.  Hutton/Hein (SSU) def. Almeida/Belin (WNMU), 8-6
3.  Dy/Manning (SSU) def. Covizzi/Vibarri (WNMU), 8-3

SINGLES
1.  Roberts (SSU) def. Welch (WNMU), 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
2.  Fuentes (WNMU) def. Dy (SSU), 6-4, 6-0
3.  Hutton (SSU) def. Covizzi (WNMU), 4-6, 6-2, 6-4
4.  Almeida (WNMU) def. Henke (SSU), 6-1, 6-3
5.  Belin (WNMU) def. Manning (SSU), 6-2, 6-2
6.  Vibarri (WNMU) def. Eckstedt (SSU), 7-5, 1-6, 6-4