Three Mustangs placed in the fourth round of championship finals while three others played their way to the fourth round of the consolation finals in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association South Central Region Championships.

Leading the way was junior Robin Fahgen, who surged into the Sweet Sixteen and looked to be on his way to victory over Rice’s Bruno Rosa, until he suffered an injury that may have cost him the win.

“Robin played an incredible match against one of the best players in the country. Bruno is a top 500 player in the world, and one of the top three or four college tennis players. It is unfortunate that Robin suffered a setback, but his will and determination must be commended,” said head coach Carl Neufeld.

Artem Baradach and Brian Griffin also had good showings at College Station. Both players were eliminated in straight sets in the Sweet Sixteen round. Coach Neufold was especially complementary of Baradach. “Artem played very well this weekend and I think his performance is deserving of recognition.”

The future may look good for the Mustangs after a promising effort from freshman Tobias Flood. Before losing in the fourth round of the consolation finals, Flood earned an impressive victory over Mindaugas Celedinas of UT-Arlington.

“Tobias persevered after his initial loss to come back and beat the best emerging freshman in the region. I feel that he took great strides in this tournament,” said Neufeld.

Also competing this week for SMU were sophomores Darren Walsh and Adham el-Effendi who both placed in the round of 32 at the consolation finals.

Coach Neufold seemed optimistic about the Mustangs overall performance. “I thought we had a great ending tournament for the fall, and it is something to build on going into the spring,” said Newfold. “Right now, I perceive that most of the athletes are playing the best tennis of their lives. This is a testament to their being one of the hardest-working and focused teams I have ever coached. I am proud of the fact that we played so well, and this has always been our goal.”