BEAUMONT, Texas – Wednesday's match against nationally ranked UT Tyler saw two three-set matches, and three sets that went to a tiebreak but in the end the Patriots pulled out a 5-2 victory at the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
The Cardinals (2-5) found themselves playing from behind as UT Tyler took the opening point of the match by winning on all three doubles courts. The Patriots pushed their advantage to 3-0 before Lamar got on the scoreboard but it was there that Big Red started to chip away at the lead.
 
Junior Martin Garcia-Ripoll picked up LU's first win of the day with a straight-sets decision at No. 4. Garcia-Ripoll defeated Daniil Felker, 6-4, 6-2. Freshman Leon Nickel pulled the Cardinals within a point moments later with his 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) winner at the No. 2 position.
 
With the Cardinals back within in a point, LU needed to take the matches on the two remaining courts to take the overall team decision. Both matches were headed to a third set, including No. 1 singles which was headed to a third-set tiebreak.
 
Unfortunately for the Red and White, the UTT closed out the day taking both matches.
 
The Cardinals now turn their attention to Sunday when they travel to Abilene, Texas to take on Abilene Christian. The match against the Wildcats is slated for a 10 a.m. start.