BENTONVILLE, ARK. – For the first time in five years the East Central University men's tennis team defeated Ouachita Baptist in a match at the Great American Conference Championship Tournament, earning a 5-4 win in the 2016 semifinals at Memorial Park.

Box Score

The Tigers (9-11, 1-3 GAC), who are ranked No. 38 in the nation defeated Ouachita Baptist (12-7, 4-0 GAC), who was ranked No. 26 in the nation.

ECU fell behind after doubles, 1-2, with junior Erik Eldagsen and sophomore Sergio Espias claiming the point with an 8-6 win at No. 2 doubles over Lennart Lonnermann and David Carbo.

Redshirt freshman Albert Lapiedra pulled the match even with a 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 6 singles over Jason Mechali, before Ouachita took the next two points with wins at No. 4 and No. 1 singles for a 4-2 score.

However, that is when the Tigers started their big push.  Sophomore Alex Fillat made the score 4-3 with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Maciej Braciszweicz at No. 2 singles. Sophomore Adria Abella tied the match at four with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win at No. 3 singles, defeating Lonnermann.

The match came down to No. 5 singles where sophomore Marc Lerch and David Carbo battled into a third set.  Ouachita took set one 2-6, but Lerch came back strong earning a 7-5 win in set two and 6-3 in the final set for the ECU match win.

The Tigers will now face Southeastern Oklahoma State, Saturday, April 23 at 10:30 a.m. in the championship match.  This is the fourth time ECU will play for the title, with the Tigers opponent being someone besides Ouachita for the first time.