BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University returned to action Sunday afternoon to face UTSA at the Thompson Family Tennis Center but came up just short dropping a 5-2 decision. Big Red's two victories came during singles from freshman Axel Vila Antuna and sophomore Arthur Serafim.
 
"We had a slow start in doubles this afternoon," said LU head coach Scott Shankles. "We just couldn't seem to get into any kind of rhythm. I thought UTSA jumped out of the gates with a lot of energy. When you're down early, that leaves you in a position of having to climb up hill the rest of the day. When you play a team as talented and experienced as UTSA it is very tough to come back."
 
The Roadrunners took the opening lead of the match after picking up wins on courts two and one, respectively, for the 1-0 advantage. UTSA's Javier Rodriguez turned the slim lead into two-point cushion following his victory at No. 3 singles.
 
The lead would grow to three points before the Cardinals fought back. Freshman Axel Vila Antuna recorded a straight-sets decision over Kai Breitbach at No. 1 singles, 6-4, 6-2. With the Cardinals on the scoreboard, Serafim continued the rally with a second-set victory at line five singles. After dropping the opening set in heartbreaking fashion, 7-6 (7-4), to the Runners' Javier Gonzalez, Serafim came back in the second to record a fairly easy 6-2 victory in the second.
 
Unfortunately, the Roadrunners captured the team victory before LU could put another point on the board. UTSA got wins at Nos. 2 and 4 singles to score points No. 4 and 5 as a team. Both matches were tough to take for the Red and White who forced at least one tiebreak in each match before bowing out.
 
Serafim closed out the scoring with a 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 10-4, victory over Gonzalez at No. 5.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action at the Thompson Family Tennis Center Friday when they host UT Rio Grande Valley. The match against the Vaqueros will begin at 2 p.m.