LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan University men's tennis team faced a tough challenge against the University of Saint Mary (KS), falling 7-0 on Tuesday, October 1. Despite strong efforts, the Prairie Wolves were unable to overcome a talented opponent, concluding their fall season with valuable experience against top-level competition.

In doubles play, the team of Ian Armbrust and Connor Kelley secured the lone victory for NWU, winning 6-3 at No. 3 doubles. However, the teams of Gavin Nichols and Jacob Balfany, as well as Glenn McChristian and Daniel Bernhardson, fell in their respective matches, giving Saint Mary the doubles point.

The singles competition proved challenging for the Prairie Wolves, as they were unable to claim a win despite competitive matches. Balfany was defeated 6-1, 6-1 at No. 1 singles, while Nichols struggled at No. 2 singles, falling 6-1, 6-1. Armbrust and McChristian put up strong fights at No. 3 and No. 5 singles but ultimately lost in straight sets.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Doubles
Dueppe/Mantz (USM) def. Nichols/Balfany (NWU), 6-4
Grimaldi/Kayunca (USM) def. Bernhardson/Pascual (NWU), 6-1
Armbrust/Kelley (NWU) def. Contrucci/Garcia (USM), 6-3

Singles
Grimaldi (USM) def. Balfany (NWU), 6-1, 6-1
Dueppe (USM) def. Nichols (NWU), 6-1, 6-1
Maritz (USM) def. Armbrust (NWU), 6-2, 6-3
Kayunca (USM) def. Blair (NWU), 7-5, 6-2
Garcia (USM) def. McChristian (NWU), 6-4, 6-4
Contrucci (USM) def. Bernhardson (NWU), 6-2, 6-1

UP NEXT
With the fall season wrapped up, the Prairie Wolves will look to build on their experience as they prepare for the spring schedule.

COMMENTS FROM COACH STEINBROOK
"It was a solid effort against one of the toughest teams our men will face, but a great way to test ourselves and cap off a solid fall of tennis, where we got more tennis in than any other team, and really improved. "