Decisive Doubles Match Secures Runner-Up Spot for Grand Canyon University in WAC Championship

Dallas – The Grand Canyon men’s tennis team, ranked first, narrowly lost 4-2 against third-seeded Abilene Christian in the WAC Tournament final at Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex on Saturday.

The match began with doubles play, where GCU faced a tough challenge. Senior Jonathan Da Silva and sophomore Brice Patoux lost 6-3 on Court 1. Freshman Andreas Loizas and senior Paolo Rosati managed a 6-4 win on Court 3, but it all came down to Court 2. Unfortunately for the Lopes, ACU clinched the crucial doubles point with a 7-6 (7-1) victory over freshman Diordan Macababbad and sophomore Nikita Volonski.

In singles play, GCU bounced back. Macababbad secured a 6-3, 6-3 win on Court 5, leveling the score. Patoux followed up with a solid 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) victory on Court 2, tying the match at 2-2.

However, ACU regained momentum with three-set wins on Courts 4 and 6. Tomas Tischner defeated Da Silva 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, while Benjamin McDonald overcame freshman Finbar McGarvey, clinching the championship with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 scoreline.

Loizas was ahead in his match on Court 3, leading 5-3 in the third set when play stopped, indicating that the doubles point might have been the turning point of the match.

Despite the disappointing loss, there were bright spots for GCU. Patoux, Loizas, and Macababbad earned spots on the WAC All-Tournament team. Their strong performances point to a promising future, especially with head coach Derek Siddiqui at the helm.

This marks the second consecutive year GCU fell short in the WAC championship, having lost 4-3 to UT Arlington last season. Yet, the Lopes achieved significant milestones this season, breaking into the ITA’s top 75 rankings for the first time in their history and finishing with double-digit wins despite grappling with injuries.

Looking ahead, the Lopes are set to return talented players, including injured David Wekesa, in 2025-26. With a promising roster and valuable experience behind them, they will aim to contend at the top of the conference once again.

In terms of team dynamics, many experts emphasize the importance of building resilience and strong team chemistry in sports. GCU’s current trajectory shows that even setbacks can be stepping stones for future success. As they prepare for next season, fans have reason to stay hopeful.

While social media reactions have been mixed, many supporters are rallying around the team, highlighting their resilience and potential. The Lopes’ journey reflects a growing trend where teams face challenges but emerge stronger, re-engaging their fan base and fostering community support.

For more insights into collegiate sports trends, check out this NCAA report for up-to-date information.

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