ROHNERT PARK -- For the first time in 2017, the Sonoma State men's tennis team captured a victory, and it came by way of a hard-fought, thrilling 5-4 victory over 45th-ranked Holy Names on Saturday at the SSU Tennis Courts in Rohnert Park.  The Seawolves (1-7) avenged an 8-1 loss from two and a half weeks ago to score a come-from-behind win after being down 2-1 in doubles.

Max Nudell and Alec Wong got the Seawolves their only point in doubles action, netting an 8-4 victory at the top of the lineup.  The Hawks took the 2-1 lead with doubles wins at No. 2 and No. 3.

The Sonoma rally came in the singles competition as Mitchel Heckmann, Sullivan Roche, Blaine Mengert and Nicky Valdecanas gutted out tough victories at spots three through six to complete the comeback.  It was Roche at No. 4 to clinch the win for SSU as he fought for an incredible 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) win.

It was Sonoma's first win since March 11, 2016 when the Seawolves beat Hope International 6-3.

Sonoma State will take on No. 40 Hawaii Hilo on Sunday in San Rafael.  First serve is set for 2:00 pm.

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Sonoma State 5, #45 Holy Names 4
Mar 25, 2017 at Rohnert Park, Calif. (SSU Tennis Courts)

Singles competition
1. Matthew Halligan (HNU-MT) def. Alec Wong (SSU-MT) 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-1
2. Hugo Colpart (HNU-MT) def. Max Nudell (SSU-MT) 6-2, 6-1
3. Mitchel Heckmann (SSU-MT) def. Javier Luque (HNU-MT) 6-0, 6-1
4. Sullivan Roche (SSU-MT) def. Ivan Parra (HNU-MT) 7-5, 7-6 (8-6)
5. Blaine Mengert (SSU-MT) def. Jonah Tahilan (HNU-MT) 7-6 (6-1), 6-2
6. Nicky Valdecanas (SSU-MT) def. Taylor Bryant (HNU-MT) 6-1, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Max Nudell/Alec Wong (SSU-MT) def. #20 Matthew Halligan/Bernardo Moraes (HNU-MT) 8-4
2. Jonah Tahilan/Javier Luque (HNU-MT) def. Nicky Valdecanas/Kevin To (SSU-MT) 8-3
3. Ivan Parra/Hugo Colpart (HNU-MT) def. Sullivan Roche/Blaine Mengert (SSU-MT) 8-4

Match Notes
Holy Names 3-6; National ranking #45; Regional ranking #7
Sonoma State 1-7; Regional ranking #9
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (6,3,2,5,4,1)