MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The University of Mobile Men's Tennis team competed in two matches at the 2024 SSAC Men's Tennis Championship Tournament across Wednesday and Thursday, Apr. 24-25, defeating Loyola University (La.) 4-1 in the quarterfinals of this year's conference tournament before falling 4-3 in the semifinals to Middle Georgia State University.
Falling the 1-1 showing, Mobile's overall record moves to 17-3 this season as the Rams remain ranked No. 13 in the latest NAIA Men's Tennis Top 25 Coaches' Poll.
The Basics
In Mobile's 4-1 victory, the Wolf Pack of Loyola opened the match by claiming the doubles point, winning 7-6 from the second flight and 6-3 from the third-seeded doubles match. However, the Rams responded nicely in singles play, with Mobile notching two-set wins across each of the first four flights of the singles lineup, highlighted by Sergio Ruiz Ramiro with a 6-0, 6-1 win from the fourth seed. Joao Pedro Okano managed a 6-1, 6-2 win from the top flight.
The following day, Mobile battled Middle Georgia State with a spot to the championship match on the line. Mobile began the match claiming the doubles points over the Knights, winning from the first and third flights. In singles action, Joao Pedro Okano and Sergio Ruiz Ramiro cruised to quick wins, while Martin Jeanne was forced to retire early. The Rams held a 3-1 advantage, needing just one more win for the match victory.
Unfortunately for Mobile, Middle Georgia State stormed back and took the remainder of the singles matches, earning the 4-3 win and eliminating the Rams from the conference tournament.
Mobile now turns sights towards the NAIA Men's Tennis National Championship Tournament where the Rams earn a host-bid each season.
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About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
