BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The University of Southern Indiana men's tennis dropped a 5-4 decision to Ferris State University in the championship match of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Friday in Big Rapids, Michigan. USI concludes the year 13-7 overall, while Ferris State raises its record to 13-9.

The Bulldogs, who are ranked 35th in the current (April 27) Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II National Poll, will now advance into the 16-team single elimination national championship field slated for May 11-14 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla. 

The Bulldog freshman Lewis DeGeneault clinched the victory with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory over USI's senior Kyle Taylor (Veedersburg, Indiana) in the deciding match at number six singles. The Screaming Eagles and Bulldog split the six singles matches with USI freshman Jarrod Epkey(Greenwood, Indiana), senior Nim Shetty (India) and junior Ryan Hughes (England) winning at number two, three, and four, respectively.

In addition to Taylor's three-set loss, freshman Andrew McGuire (Greenwood, Indiana) lost in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-1) at number five singles.

The Eagles were trying to make up ground in the singles matches after losing two of the three doubles matches. Sophomore Joe Epkey (Greenwood, Indiana) and Hughes picked up USI's only doubles victory, winning 9-8 at number one. Jarrod Epkey and Taylor at number two doubles lost a close match, 8-6, while senior Evan Luttrell (Logansport, Indiana) and Shetty dropped a 9-7 decision at number three doubles.


Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information