MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Delta State men's tennis team put up a hard fight, but was eliminated in the first round of the 2018 Gulf South Conference Tournament with a 5-3 loss to the University of Montevallo on Thursday, April 19, in Montgomery, Ala.
 
The Statesmen had the advantage in the beginning of the match when Emile Le Terrier and Hugo Stroppiana quickly defeated Daniel Del Val/Sergi Martinez 8-1 at No. 1 doubles. However, the Falcons regrouped to win doubles two and three and take a 2-1 lead over DSU heading into singles.
 
The Falcons took the victory at No. 3 singles to cushion their lead, 3-1. With Montevallo now within two match points of the victory, the Statesmen began to up the momentum. Senior Joao Yamacita and freshman Hugo Stroppiana clinched much-needed victories at No. 4 and No. 2 singles to tie the match, 3-3. Andrew Hildenbrand was defeated at No. 6 singles, pulling Montevallo within one point of the victory. The match would be decided by the No. 5 singles match as Stedman Strickland was ultimately defeated in the third set, sealing the win for Montevallo. Emile Le Terrier was in the midst of a three-set battle, but the match was called off at No. 1 singles when the Falcons secured the match point.
 
DOUBLES COMPETITION
1. Emile Le Terrier/Hugo Stroppiana (DSU) def. Daniel Del Val/Sergi Martinez (UM) 8-1
2. Petter Dahlin/James Bloomer (UM) def. Andrew Hildenbrand/Joao Yamacita (DSU) 8-3
3. Georg Tompler/Brecht Van Buggenhout (UM) def. Stedman Strickland/Mason Vice (DSU) 9-7
 
SINGLES COMPETITION
1. #40 Emile Le Terrier (DSU) vs. Petter Dahlin (UM) 7-5, 6-7, 4-4, unf.
2. Hugo Stroppiana (DSU) def. Georg Tompler (UM) 1-6, 6-3, 6-2
3. Jan Fraederich (UM) def. Mason Vice (DSU) 6-2, 6-2
4. Joao Yamacita (DSU) def. Daniel Del Val (UM) 6-4, 6-4
5. Tanguy David (UM) def. Stedman Strickland (DSU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
6. Gavin Salton (UM) def. Andrew Hildenbrand (DSU) 6-3, 7-5
 
MATCH NOTES:

• Today's match marked the 11^th appearance at the GSC Tournament in program history for the Statesmen.
• Delta State ends the season 9-7 overall and 6-5 in the GSC.
• Delta State's six conference wins are the most in program history, since modern records have been kept.
• Le Terrier was named to the All-GSC First Team, and Stroppiana was named to the All-GSC Second Team. The two postseason honors are the most for Delta State, since the Statesmen landed three on the 2015 All-GSC Team.
• Stroppiana earned his ninth singles victory to take the team lead in most singles wins this season.
• The Falcons improve to 16-5 and advance to the semifinal round.