WICHITA -Newman's Men's Tennis wrapped up their season with a matchup against the #38 Harding Bisons on Wednesday afternoon. The Jets have faced some of the toughest competition in program history after being moved to a different conference. But despite all the difficulties, they have been able to compete and put up a fight against most, if not all, teams.
The last match of the season wasn't any different. The Jets competed in most of the matches against one of the best teams in the country, a team that had everything on the line. If the Bisons lost the match they would not qualify for post season, but if they won, they would secure the number one seed for post season. Knowing that, the Jets were up for the challenge.
Newman was coming off of a thrilling comeback win against the Emporia State Hornets. An interstate rivalry that the Jets were able to conquer showcasing great tennis abilities.
The match started with one of the closest possible doubles point. Partners
Luca Penteado and
Andrea Bramati completed a very strong doubles performance to claim a 6-4 win and add the first point to the doubles tally. The Bisons took the match at the number one seed, leaving the deciding match on court number two.
After being down 3-5 in the match, partners
Isfan Makhmudov and
Kurt Bruckner Suarez were able to tie the match and take it to a deciding tie break. The Jets partners gave everything they had to take the point but a solid Bisons team took the tie breaker to claim the doubles point.
In singles play, the Bisons had an overall strong performance with very few mistakes from their players, pushing the Jets to play their best tennis in order to win points.
Ali Mounir tried his best but was unable to win and wrapped up his Junior season with some very good numbers and performances, getting to be ranked in one of the latest weeks of the seasons. Mounir will come back next season as one of the Jets figures and leaders.
Kurt Bruckner Suarez played his last official match as a Jets against the number thirty nine player in the country. After a very complicated first set, Kurt was able to compete and almost win the second set. Kurt has been one of the leaders for the Jets and has contributed with some outstanding performances. He was able to get ranked in singles and in doubles throughout the season.
Isfan Makhmudov faced the number fifty seven singles player in the country in his last official match at Newman. Makhmudov was unable to win his match in singles but his performance in doubles was extraordinary. Isfan leaves Newman with his head held high and for a good reason. He has overcame obstacles and showcased his incredible tennis skills and his high IQ. Isfan has been one of the most reliable players for the Jets throughout his whole career.
Luca Penteado, the heart and leader of the Jets, played his last match at Newman against one of the best Bisons player. Despite playing some great tennis, Penteado's opponent barely missed any shots in the game making it very hard for the Jet to win games. Luca, the captain of men's tennis, will be remembered as the clutch player. Always playing in the middle to lower parts of the line up, Penteado has been clutch multiple times for the Jets throughout his collegiate career. Taking the Newman spirit everywhere he goes, Penteado will be greatly missed in the Jet squad.
Andrea Bramati lost a close match at the number five seed, but has proven throughout the season the great tennis he is able to play. Bramati has improved greatly in his Junior season, and will be one of the leaders for the Jets in the upcoming season. Definitely someone to look out for next season.
Freshman
Nicolo Lippolis claimed the only point for the Jets in a very complete 6-4, 6-1 match from the Italian. Nicolo has contributed greatly to the team despite his young age. He has helped the team in different positions and has learned a lot. He will be one of the players to watch after a very competitive year under his belt.
The Jets will celebrate Senior Day with an inter squad match on Friday or Saturday afternoon.
