EWING, N.J. – The TCNJ men's tennis team was bested, 5-2, by No. 23 UW-Whitewater in the NJAC Championship match on Sunday.

The Lions (11-4, 4-0 NJAC East) kept the match much closer than the final score indicated, as the blue and gold forced numerous tiebreakers throughout the match against the Nationally-ranked Warhawks (16-5, 3-0 NJAC West).

Doubles action was highlighted by a clutch 7-4 tiebreaker victory from the No. 3 duo of Nikola Kilibarda and Alberto Thomas to win 8-7.

In No. 1 doubles, the Lions' regionally-ranked duo of Matthew Michibata and Harrison Maitland-Carter saw a similarly close battle against the Warhawk's John Zakowski and Luke VanDonslear that required a tiebreaker to decide the victor. Ultimately, however, Whitewater's duo came out on top after a tough 7-5 tiebreaker edge to win 8-7.

The Warhawks would gain a 2-1 advantage after doubles play when they won at No. 2 court by a decisive 8-3 margin.  

In Singles play, Thomas won another match for the Lions at No. 4 court after winning both sets 6-4.

No. 1 singles saw Michibata fall just short against Zakowski in a pair of hard-fought sets. The super senior lost the first set, 7-6, after being edge out in the tiebreaker, before losing the second set in equally close fashion, 7-5.

Senior Adrian Tsui was bested by VanDonslear at No. 2 singles, falling 6-3 and 6-2 in both sets.

Maitland-Carter put up a valiant effort of his own in the No. 3 spot against Cole Lindwall. After losing the first set 6-1, the freshman responded with a huge 6-3 set two victory to force the full third set tiebreaker, which ultimately ended in favor of the Warhawks, 7-6 (7-4). The win clinched the match and the NJAC Championship for Whitewater.

The Lions will now await for an at-large bid on Monday when the NCAA Selection Show takes place.