ALBUQUERQUE -- Despite having won the only previous meeting between the two teams this season, the 4th-seeded BYU men's tennis team lost 4-1 to top-seeded San Diego State Friday in the second round of the Mountain West Conference tournament in Albuquerque, N.M.
The Cougars defeated San Diego State Jan. 27 in San Diego, but failed to duplicate the effort. Sophomore Gert Vilms won the number three singles match 7-5, 6-4 over Valentino Pest to keep the Cougars from being shut out.
The Aztecs won the doubles point with help from Alex Waske and Adam Webster who defeated Vilms and senior Damien Ward 9-8 (7-5) in number one doubles. Travis Hasson and Gabe Coren defeated Dave White and Jeff Olsen 8-2 in number three doubles giving the Aztecs the point.
In singles it was more San Diego State. Waske, currently ranked No. 29 in the country in singles, defeated Ward 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 at number one singles. Oliver Maiberger defeated freshman Carlos Lozano 6-2, 6-7, 6-0 in number two singles and Travis Hasson defeated Olsen 6-2, 6-4 in number five singles to give the Aztecs the win.
San Diego State advances to take on the winner of the New Mexico/UNLV match in the conference championship Saturday at 2 p.m. The Cougars will play the loser of the New Mexico/UNLV match in the third place match Saturday at 10 a.m. Utah and Air Force will play Friday at 5 p.m. for fifth place.
Singles:
1. Alex Waske (SDSU) def. Damien Ward, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2
2. Oliver Maiberger (SDSU) def. Carlos Lozano, 6-2, 6-7, 6-0
3. Gert Vilms (BYU) def. Valentino Pest, 7-5, 6-4
4. Dave White (BYU) led Adam Webster, suspended
5. Matt Bere (SDSU) led Anton Rudjuk, suspended
6. Travis Hasson (SDSU) def. Jeff Olsen, 6-2, 6-4
Doubles:
1. Waske/Webster (SDSU) def. Ward/Vilms, 9-8 (7-5)
2. Lozano/Rudjuk (BYU) vs. Maiberger/Pest, suspended
3. Hasson/Gabe Coren (SDSU) def. White/Olsen, 8-2