CLINTON, Miss. - The Mulerider Men's Tennis team endured a tough stretch, falling to No. 23 Mississippi College in a 4-0 defeat before suffering a 4-1 loss to the University of West Alabama. 

Against Mississippi College, the Muleriders battled in doubles play, with Mathys Pinoit and Niklas Müller securing a 6-4 victory at No. 2 doubles. However, their efforts were not enough to claim the opening point, as SAU fell on the other two doubles courts, allowing Mississippi College to gain early control of the match. In singles play, Mississippi College quickly capitalized on their momentum, clinching the necessary victories to seal the win. Pinoit, facing a tough opponent at No. 1 singles, fell in straight sets, 0-6, 1-6. David Wallechner struggled to find his rhythm on court three, suffering a 3-6, 4-6 loss, while Jinsei Tajima was unable to turn the tide on court four, dropping his match 1-6, 2-6. With Mississippi College securing the fourth point, the remaining matches, including those featuring Tim Fischer, Lluc Pasqual, and Uwe Diehl, went unfinished.

Against West Alabama, the Muleriders once again found themselves behind early after dropping the doubles point, despite another strong performance from Pinoit and Müller, who claimed a 6-4 win at No. 2 doubles. In singles play, the Muleriders fought hard, and senior Jinsei Tajima delivered a standout performance at No. 4 singles, grinding out a three-set victory, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. His win provided SAU with its lone point of the match, as West Alabama controlled the remaining singles contests to secure the 4-1 victory.

Next up for the Mulerider Men is Southwest Baptist on Tuesday (March 25) at 1 p.m. in Bolivar, Missouri.