ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The four-time defending Great American Conference champion Ouachita Tigers men's tennis team defeated #24 Southeastern Oklahoma State University by a final of 5-4 in the Tigers conference opener. The win improves the Tigers to 8-3 on the year. 

The #26 Tigers took a 2-1 lead in the doubles matches. Ouachita duo Vitor Oliveira and Luis Chab earned an 8-2 win over the Storm's number-one tandem of Max Fil and Netaniel Alcabas. Maceij Braciszewicz and Jason Mechali earned a 9-8 win to put Ouachita up 2-1. In singles competition, #47 Vitor Oliveira defeated #45 Max Fil in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. Luis Chab also picked up a singles win defeating his opponent 7-6, 6-3. Maceij Braciszewicz locked up the match win for the Tigers with a straight set win over Jack Gibbens, 6-2, 6-4. 

The win improved the Tigers home record to 4-1 this season. Head Coach Craig Ward had high praise for both his team's performance and their opponent.

"I thought our guys did a good job building on the win from Wednesday," coach Ward said. "Hopefully we can do the same with todays match. Our goal is to try and find something in each match that can make us better regardless of the outcome. I think today we moved really well and that made the difference."

Regarding Southeastern Oklahoma State he added, "We always have a tough match with Southeastern and this was no exception. Having home court is always an advantage and our fans came out and did a great job supporting us in less than ideal conditions. Coach Hamill does an excellent job and they are always prepared to play."

The Tigers return to GAC play tomorrow as they host the Tigers of East Central University. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Ward Tennis Center.