TYLER, TEXAS – The #2-seeded UT Tyler men's tennis team punched its ticket to the NCAA Round of 16 on Saturday afternoon with a dramatic 4-3 victory over #3-seeded Midwestern State.

The match began with doubles play, where the Patriots struck first. The duo of Carel Wessel and Daniil Felker delivered a dominant 6-2 win on the top line. However, Midwestern State claimed the doubles point by taking the remaining two matches in tiebreakers, 7-6 (7-1) and 7-6 (8-6).

Trailing 1-0, the Patriots responded with a strong showing in singles. Artiom Dorofeev set the tone with a convincing 6-4, 6-1 win at the #1 line. Martin Despodov followed by rallying from a set down to win 7-5 and 6-3. Wessel added another point after dropping the first set and battling back for two tight 7-6 (7-3) wins.

With the Patriots up 3-1, the Mustangs mounted a comeback, winning on courts #4 and #5 to level the match at 3-3. That set the stage for a thrilling finish on court #6, where Jordi Garcia Portell came through in the clutch. After taking the opening set 7-6 (7-2), Garcia Portell dropped the second but secured the match with a 7-5 win in the third to seal the 4-3 victory.

UT Tyler now advances to the NCAA Round of 16 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Match times and seeding information will be announced next week.