The Saint Louis University men's tennis team closed out its regular season with two home losses to Oral Roberts and DePaul over the weekend.
SLU lost 6-1 to Oral Roberts last Friday at the Billiken Tennis Center. Freshman James Wilson, who defeated Clemons Geercken (6-2, 7-5), was the only Billiken to win in singles competition. Seniors Tom de Larzac and Andrew Balcer, sophomore Matt Rineberg and freshmen Chris Welnetz and Paul Feder all lost in straight sets.
"To pull out the win against Oral Roberts, we could have executed on big points better," Feder said.
Feder and de Larzac were victorious in doubles action, winning 9-8.
SLU lost a 5-2 decision to DePaul in the regular-season finale on Sunday.
De Larzac, playing in the final regular-season singles match of his collegiate career, defeated Mark Henderson (4-6, 6-4, 10-6).
Balcer, who was also making his final regular-season singles start for SLU, fell to Eric Huffman (6-0, 7-5).
Wilson defeated Will Wang (6-2, 6-3).
The Billikens were swept in doubles play with the combination of de Larzac and Feder, also Rineberg and Wilson both lost 8-5. Welnetz and freshman Kyle Shoff fell 8-2 against Wang and Gabe Inchauste.
"I think the key to our match against DePaul was everyone's fight," Feder said. "We fought much better this time. Last time, we came out flat and got beat pretty good."
The Billikens (4-14, 0-3 C-USA) are now preparing for the Conference USA Tournament, which will be held on April 21-22, in Louisville, Ky.
De Larzac and Balcer were honored for their four and three years, respectively, of commitment and service to the Billiken tennis program before Sunday's match. Although both of these experienced and reliable seniors will be missed, they have had a profound impact on this year's young squad.
"I have learned a lot about leadership from these two," Feder said. "Tom is more of a vocal leader while Andy is the quiet leader who leads by hard work and example."
Rineberg said, "Tom and Andy have both been great inspirations for all the underclassmen on the tennis team. Throughout the year, they have taught us so much both on and off the court.
"On the court, they helped us with our technique, fundamentals, match readiness, determination, drive, and served as a model for us all to strive for. Off the courts, their attitudes carried over to helping us be better people outside of tennis as well.
"For me personally, they did a great job of instantly making me feel like part of a family at a school in which I knew no one coming in as a sophomore. They will be missed greatly."
