DENVER, Colo. – A road trip to Colorado for North Dakota men's tennis began at Denver and, despite late battles in singles competition, ended in a 7-0 loss for the Fighting Hawks on Saturday evening.
 
The loss moves UND to 13-8 overall and 2-2 in conference play while the Pioneers improve to 13-5 and 3-0.
 
Denver took control early in doubles play, securing a pair of 6-1 and 6-2 wins from the third and second courts, respectively, to clinch the 1-0 lead. The match at the No. 1 court went unfinished, where Christos Alex and Darrshan Suresh Kumar were threatening the home team in a 3-5 match.
 
One-on-competition saw continued momentum from the Pioneers off a 6-4, 6-0 win from the sixth spot and a 6-1, 6-3 win at the fifth position. Despite a battle first set, a 7-5, 6-0 result from court No. 1 pushed the score to 3-0 in favor of the home team before a match-clinching win came in the form of a tight-knit 6-3, 6-4 victory at court No. 4.
 
Each of the remaining two singles matches exceeded over two hours of play and proceeded in nail-biting fashion as the Fighting Hawks fought through relentless extended action.
 
After narrowly falling in the first set, 5-7, Suresh Kumar came storming back with a 6-4 win in the second set. That comeback set up a super tiebreak that saw the freshman fend off a late deficit to close in. But ultimately, the Pioneers clinched the 10-7 score to win the match.
 
Eyes turned to the final bout of action still in play as Justin Ilic attempted his own battle back. Each of his sets ended in heartbreaking tiebreaks that went in favor of the home team at 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) to finalize the 7-0 score on the day.  
 
The Fighting Hawks will be back in action tomorrow, Sunday afternoon, with an 11 a.m. contest at Air Force.
 
For more information on North Dakota men's tennis, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDmtennis.