Junior Sean McManus preferred the Billikens enter the Atlantic 10 Tournament flying under the radar at No. 10.
The men’s tennis team finished fifth, its best placing ever at A-10s, Friday, April 4, to Friday, Sunday, April 6, in Monroeville, Penn. Their 3-1 record in the tournament gave the Billikens their first winning season, 11-10, since the 1996-97 season.
“We were a little unlucky with our seed and the fact that we played Xavier-the best team in the conference-in the second round,” senior Felipe Acosta said. “We all knew we were not a 10 seed and that we were much better. After the tournament, I could tell we were one of the top three teams.”
The Bills defeated No. 7 Saint Joseph’s in the opening round, 4-0, but then fell to eventual champion, Xavier, in the second round, 4-0.
“We showed how good we really were against [St. Joseph’s], and we pulled together after the loss to Xavier, so we felt really good about the end results, McManus said.”
The Bills toppled No. 6 Richmond in their first consolation match-up.
“It felt good to get the Saint Louis [University] name out there and prove we are at the top of the league.” McManus said.
In SLU’s final match of the tournament, the Bills knocked off No. 4 Duquesne in a tight match, 4-3.
Five-of-six singles matches against Duquesne came down to the super-tiebreaker. The Bills won four of those matches after dropping the doubles match at the beginning.
“It was definitely a tough match,” McManus said. “We lost the doubles match and had never won a match after losing in doubles. All the matches were close.”
Seniors Acosta and Paul Feder concluded their SLU careers with victories. Acosta garnered a 6-4, 2-6 (10-7) victory at No. 1 singles, while Feder claimed a 6-3, 5-7 (10-8) win at No. 5 singles.
“For me, knowing it was my last competitive tournament at this level, I was just excited about doing my best,” Acosta said. “I’ve had an amazing three years here. I love the sport and I love the school, and knowing it will be over soon is a weird feeling. I didn’t want to say goodbye with a loss.”
At No. 3 singles, McManus fought back for a 4-6, 6-4 (10-7) victory against Duquesne, giving the Bills the victory for fifth place.
“In the back of my mind, I knew it might come down to my match,” McManus said. “I’m glad I was in this situation. After I won it, it was an amazing feeling. I’m glad I could send the seniors out on a high note.”
The Bills rose five spots since their last A-10 appearance in 2006. Acosta said that he appreciated the hard work his team gave in the tournament.
“When [McManus] won his match, it couldn’t have ended any better,” Acosta said. “We saw the video after the match, and it was unbelievable. The satisfaction for myself-knowing that I won-is the best way to say goodbye.”
