Box Score GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota men's tennis team dropped a 4-3 decision to Montana on Sunday evening from Choice Health and Fitness in Grand Forks, N.D. 

"Good college tennis matches come down to a few points (out of several hundred points), and this was no exception," said UND head coach Tom Boysen. "We certainly had some points and games today that we want back. We could have been better in doubles, and that ultimately cost us."

Montana jumped out to a 1-0 lead by grabbing that doubles point with wins on the No. 1 and 3 court. The pairing of Jerall Yasin and Leandro Zgraggen held a 5-3 lead at the middle spot when play was halted heading into singles action. 

"But in terms of competing, battling, overcoming adversity, and in general just buying in to what we are about in this program, I am very happy with this match and this group," said Boysen. "And honestly, several of our student-athletes played at a very high level in this match."

The Griz extended their advantage to 3-0, but the Fighting Hawks started to rally back. Ange-Kevin Koua earned the first point of the match for the hosts with a pair of 6-4 victories on the top spot before Zgraggen cut the lead to 3-2 by rallying from a 6-2 defeat in the first set with a 6-2, 6-4 win on the second court. 

Both of the final matches on the No. 4 and 5 courts went to a third set, but it was Montana who came away with the win at the fifth spot to claim the overall match victory. Ethan Terry added the third point of the day for UND with a 6-3 triumph in the tiebreaker at the No. 4 position. 

"We have a lot to work on and improve, but we are better than we were a month ago without a doubt, and this match should ultimately help us down the road," said Boysen. 

North Dakota will open conference play with traditional power Drake next Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. from Choice Health and Fitness. 

For more information on North Dakota men's tennis, follow on social media @UNDmtennis for visit FightingHawks.com.