April 19, 2012

Box Score

BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University senior Carlos Valdenebro completed a perfect Southland Conference season in singles play, but it wasn't enough for the Lamar University tennis team, which closed its season with a 6-1 loss to visiting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday.

Valdenebro posted a 3-6, 6-0, 10-1 victory over Nathan Robinson at No. 4 singles for Lamar's only point. Valdenebro was 5-0 at fourth singles in the conference this season for the Cardinals (7-11 overall, 1-4 Southland).

The match was the final one for Lamar's four seniors: Valdenebro, Marton Horvath, Denis Ermilov and Dusan Savkovic.

"It's sad our seniors had to finish their careers with a loss," Lamar coach Scott Shankles said. "However, I couldn't be prouder for those four guys. They worked very hard on the court and in the classroom. They took care of their academics and represented Lamar very well in the community.

"I'm sad their Lamar careers are over, but I'm excited to have these fine, young gentlemen in my life forever. I know they will do well in their futures. Lamar should be proud of Marton, Dusan, Dennis and Carlos."

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (12-11, 4-1) swept the doubles competition and got off to a strong start in singles by winning the first set in all six matches.

"When you lose the first set in all six matches, it's tough to come back to win four singles matches," Shankles said. We were there in all of our doubles matches, but just couldn't get a lead."

The Cardinals finished in fifth place in the conference, missing out on a spot in next week's Southland Conference Tournament.

LAMAR