Final Stats

By Hannah Altheide | UTAMavs.com

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The UT Arlington men's tennis had a historic victory Tuesday night defeating SMU 4-3 for the first time in over a decade. It also marked the first win for UTA coach Diego Benitez over the Mustangs in his 12-year career.

The match against the Mustangs was nothing short of dramatic going into the final dual match as UTA's Sebastian Erimicioiu took on Arturs Kazijevs at No. 1 singles.

After being down 5-4 in the third set and down 40-15 in what could've been the decisive game, Erimicioiu came back to tie it at 5-5. He then took a 6-5 lead but Kazijevs tied it to send the match to a tiebreaker. Kazijevs was then up 4-2 in the tiebreaker before Erimicioiu won five straight points to win the match.

"It's a huge win for us," Benitez said. "First win against SMU in over a decade doing it at their court is a tremendous accomplishment for us, and an amazing energy and confident boost."

The men clinched the double point early after Mario Muniesa and Johnathan Gonzalez paired up to defeat Arturs Kazijevs and Markus Kemer 6-3, giving the Mavs confidence and momentum going into dual play.

In dual play, Carlos Arbiza defeating SMU's Arkadijs Slobodkins 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 and Muniesa beat Julio Olaya 6-3, 6-1.  UTA and SMU were tied 3-3 and the match was in the hands of Erimicioiu.

"I am very proud of the effort of our guys," Benitez said. "I thought that we played amazing doubles and we really fought against adversity in dual play especially after being up in four courts. SMU came back and tied the contest. and then Sebastian being able to overcome three match points and finishing for us was huge."

SMU is currently ranked No. 39 in the nation with an overall record of 17-6.

The women's team came up short against the Mustangs losing 4-2. Elizabeth Thoms kept her winning streak alive defeating SMU's Anna Kate Andersion 6-4, 6-2. Christine Foote was able to tack on another win for the Mavs when she defeated Vaszilisza Bulgakova 6-1, 6-0.

"The girls had a tough match. It was a great effort and the girls left everything out there it was just not our day," Benitez said.

The men are back in action April 4 in Louisiana to take on Sun Belt opponent Georgia Southern.  The women will be home April 2 to take on Louisiana Lafayette at 2 p.m.