GLENDALE, Ariz. – Looking to upset a nationally ranked opponent for the second straight day, the OUAZ men's tennis team came one point short in a 5-4 loss at No. 23 Hope International on Saturday in Golden State Athletic Conference action at the Paseo Racquet Center.
 
OUAZ (2-3, 1-1 GSAC) took a 2-1 lead after double action after Eduardo Couto and Leonardo Couto won the No. 1 match 8-5 and Noel Maurin and Peter Hariri took the No. 3 match 8-2.
 
L.Couto and Maurin would pick up additional points for the Spirit with wins in the No. 2 and No. 3 singles matches respectively.
 
E.Couto – ranked No. 26 nationally in singles – won the opening set in the No. 1 singles match, but No. 24-ranked Kyle Rae of Hope International (3-1, 1-1) rallied back to win the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.
 
Eric De Romas challenged No. 38-ranked Antoine Voisin before falling 3-6, 5-7.
 
OUAZ will host a scrimmage against Paradise Valley Community College on February 25 before returning to conference play on March 1 when they host Westmont at the Surprise Tennis Center.