Men's Tennis | April 29, 2017

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – It all came down to the No. 6 singles match, but Western Michigan fell via a tie-breaker to the University of Buffalo in the Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship match, 4-3, at West Hills Athletic Club on Saturday afternoon.

WMU got off to a good start at Sorenson Courts, before the match was moved indoors due to rain. The Broncos took the doubles point after the duos of Kennosuke Nouchi and Daniel Loebel and Eric Olivarez and Jannik Opitz both won their matches. Loebel and Nouchi won 6-3, while Olivarez and Opitz won 6-2.

The deciding match in singles was Opitz against Nittolo. Opitz won the first set 6-3 but fell in the second set 7-6 on a 7-2 tie-breaker. Opitz had an early lead in the third set but Nittolo came roaring back to take a 6-5 lead. Opitz forced the tie-breaker but Nittolo, the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, won the the tie breaker 7-5.  

Both the No. 1 and No. 2 matches went to the Broncos. Nouchi defeated Hao Sheng Koey 6-3 and 6-4. Hamilton defeated Vidit Vaghela 6-3 and 6-2.

Buffalo won the remaining matches with Filip Grbic defeating Mark Steiner 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6), Villhelm Fridell defeating Loebel 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 and Petr Vodak defeating Matej Svjetlicic 6-0, 6-1.

"Hats off the Buffalo," said head coach Dave Morin. "I think they outworked us. I think when we came in doors, things were looking good for us outdoors and I think the momentum shifted when we came indoors. All the credit to them I don't know if we were playing to protect a little bit, but I think they kind of out worked us all year."

Nouchi and Hamilton were both named to the MAC All-Tournament Team.