MANKATO, Minn. - For the first time in program history, Bethany men's tennis has won a share of the UMAC regular season championship. The Vikings (12-7) lost 4-3 to UW-Superior on Saturday, but finished the conference season with a 3-1 record, tying the Yellowjackets.Â
Superior started the match with a clean sweep in doubles to earn the first point. The visitors then claimed the first two singles points at Nos. 2 and 3 for a comfortable 3-0 lead, but the Vikings did not go quietly.Â
Declan Jones erased a 7-5 first set loss at No. 1 to win the next two 6-3, 6-4. Shortly after, Mark Barton also erased a first set loss, 6-2, to win the next two 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). Barton trailed by five in the breaker and was able to battle back for the improbable win.Â
The Yellowjackets were able to claim the match-clinching victory at No. 5 with a three-set victory. Thales Oliveira closed out the match with a 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 win at No. 6.Â
If Northwestern beats Crown today, the Vikings will host the Eagles on Monday for the UMAC playoff play-in match.Â
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