Air Force men’s tennis lost 4-2 to San Diego State in its Mountain West Conference opener on March 22 at the Aztec Tennis Center in San Diego, California.
The match marked the start of conference play for both teams. The result is significant as it sets the tone for Air Force’s performance in the Mountain West this season.
San Diego State secured the doubles point and went on to win three out of five completed singles matches. Senior Jack Brown and sophomore Langdon Tingleaf led Air Force with singles victories. Tingleaf tied the match at 1-1 by defeating Lars Johann in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1, while Brown evened the score again with a win over Finn Willman, also in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. However, San Diego State clinched the overall victory by winning at No. 5 and No. 2 singles positions.
Sophomore Tyler Leaird played into a third set at No. 6 singles before his match was left unfinished with a tie at 6-6 when play concluded.
Head Coach Evan Urbina said after the match: “The Falcons competed well today, and had a lot of opportunities. There were a bunch of deuce points and critical games across all the courts. We talked after about playing those points the right way and making good adjustments for the next time we find ourselves in that position. Langdon was dominant in singles and Jack played his solid, aggressive tennis and it was good to see Tyler split and come back from a break down in the third set. Thanks to all the Falcon faithful for the support including local AF Tennis alum Mike Ahn and Phil Yim. We’re getting ready for another test tomorrow against UCSD. Go Falcons!”
Air Force will return to action against UC San Diego on March 23.
