The University of Utah men’s tennis team lost a close 4-3 match against Oklahoma State on March 12, ending their nonconference play for the season.
This result is significant as it leaves the Utes with a record of 4-10 and marks the end of their nonconference schedule before they continue Big 12 play. The match was closely contested, coming down to the final singles court.
Oklahoma State took an early lead by winning the doubles point. Utah’s AJ Deem and Charles Frey were defeated at No. 3 doubles, while Simeon Terziev and Emmett Potter lost at No. 2 after forcing extra games. The No. 1 doubles match was left unfinished in a tiebreak.
In singles, Lorenzo Esquici gave Utah its first point with a win at No. 4, followed by Balthazar Huss securing another victory at No. 5 to put Utah ahead. However, Oklahoma State responded with wins at No. 6 and No. 1 singles to regain the lead. Emmett Potter tied the overall score at three apiece with his win on court two.
The deciding match came down to court three between Simeon Terziev and Derek Pham. After splitting sets, they went into a third-set tiebreaker where Pham edged out Terziev with an 8-6 score, clinching the win for Oklahoma State.
Looking ahead, Utah will resume Big 12 play against Arizona on March 14 before traveling to Florida to face UCF on March 21.
