LOGAN, Utah — Utah State men's tennis lost in heartbreaking fashion to Gonzaga, 4-3, at the Sports Academy & Racquet Club on Friday.
 
The Aggies started strong in doubles play. Junior Javier Ruiz and sophomore Jack Ninteman, playing at the one-spot for the first time, defeated Sasha Trkulja and Leon Roider, 6-4, to remain unbeaten in doubles play this season. Juniors David Cierny and Bodin Zarkovic then clinched the doubles point for USU with a 7-5 win over Oliver Andersson and Pable Gomez Galvan at the second position.
 
In singles play, the Bulldogs quickly tied the match at one apiece after Arthus de la Bassetiere defeated freshman Sergi Mico Fenollar, 6-0, 6-2. The Aggies regained the advantage when Zarkovic stormed back from one set down to defeat Andersson, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Gonzaga again tightened the score following Trkulja's 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 win against Cierny at the first position.
 
Senior Felipe Acosta put USU one point away from victory, outlasting GU's Matthew Hollingworth in a third-set tiebreaker, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4). Junior Roko Savin went up one break in the third set but was ultimately unable to hold off Tom Hann in a 4-6, 6-0, 2-6 loss. At the sixth position, Roider defeated senior Maksymilian Raupuk, 6-3, 6-1, to clinch the win for Gonzaga.
 
The Aggies will remain at home for their next match versus Drake. Utah State is scheduled to host the Bulldogs on Sat., Feb. 19, at 11 am (MT).
 
Fans can follow USU's men's tennis team on Twitter @USUMensTennis, on Facebook at /UtahStateMensTennis or on Instagram at USUMensTennis.  Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.
 
RESULTS
Gonzaga 4, Utah State 3
Sports Academy & Racquet Club
Logan, Utah
 
Doubles
1. Jack Ninteman/Javier Ruiz (USU) def. Sasha Trkulja/Leon Roider (GU) 6-4
2. David Cierny/Bodin Zarkovic (USU) def. Oliver Andersson/Pable Gomez Galvan (GU) 7-5
3. Felipe Acosta/Sergi Mico Fenollar (USU) vs. Tom Hann/Arthus de la Bassetiere (GU) 5-5, unfinished
 
Singles
1. Trkulja (GU) def. Cierny (USU) 7-6 (7-4), 6-4
2. Zarkovic (USU) def. Andersson (GU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
3. Acosta (USU) def. Matthew Hollingworth (GU) 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4)
4. De la Bassetiere (GU) def. Mico Fenollar (USU) 6-0, 6-2
5. Hann (GU) def. Roko Savin (USU) 6-4, 0-6, 6-2
6. Roider (GU) def. Raupuk (USU) 6-3, 6-1
 
Match Notes
Utah State: 3-2 (0-0 MW)
Gonzaga: 5-0 (0-0 WCC)
Order of finish: Doubles (1, 2); Singles (4, 2, 1, 3, 5, 6)
 
 - USU -