KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In a match that will go a long way in determining the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Regular Season Champion, Buffalo came into Kalamazoo and took down the Western Michigan men's tennis team 4-3 at West Hills Friday night. The Broncos were picked to finish first in the Preseason MAC Coaches Poll, while Buffalo finished at a close second place.  

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The doubles point came out to be key, as Buffalo earned wins at No. 1 and No. 2 to claim the point early. The duo of Eric Olivarez/Jannik Opitz won 6-2 at No. 3 to open things up, but the Bulls stormed back.

In singles play, WMU earned two quick wins to take a 2-1 advantage as junior Maik Steiner made quick work at No. 3 and No. 120 ranked freshman Kennosuke Nouchi followed that with a win at No. 2. Steiner has now won his last five matches while Nouchi has won nine straight. Buffalo came back to win the next two matches off the board, making it a 3-2 Bulls lead with Matt Hamilton and Daniel Loebel left on court. The Bulls earned the match clincher at No. 1, giving WMU its first MAC loss of the season. After the match was clinched, Daniel Loebel earned a three-set win at No. 5 to make it 4-3 Buffalo.

WMU will take a long break and return to action with a home match against Binghamton on Monday, April 10 at 3 p.m.