The Lee men's tennis team came up just short in its upset bid of No. 11 Delta State, losing 4-3 on Friday afternoon at the DeVos Tennis Center.

The Flames jumped out to an early advantage in doubles with a win at No. 3 as senior Daniel Prata played his final match at home and went out in style, teaming with Jordi Dasi for a 6-4 win over Mason Vice and Emiliano del Arco.

The Statesmen would take the doubles point with wins at No. 2 and No. 1. Hugo Stroppinana and Come Bracaval took down Jesus Garcia and Cristian Pons, 7-5 while Trey Seymour and Emile Le Terrier edged Bruno Medeiros and Antonio Pons, 6-4.

Nico Ramirez would draw the Flames even at No. 2 singles with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 straight sets victory Stroppinana. Leo De Sousa would put Delta State back on top with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Dasi.

In a thrilling match at No. 1 singles, Jesus Garcia outlasted No. 26 Le Terrier, 7-5, 7-6 (12-10) to draw the Flames back to even at 2-2. Bracaval gave Delta State its third point with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Antonio Pons at the five-spot setting up a winner take all battle at No. 6 between Lee's Diego Garcia and del Aroco of Delta State. Del Aroco clinched the victory with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Diego Garcia.

"I thought the guys played really well today. The biggest difference was doubles we had some opportunities and just couldn't quite get it done. Singles wise we played really well. We've played a lot of good matches against a lot of good opponents and we've been right there. I think it is just a matter of time before this group breaks through and once they do I think we are going to be able to go to another level," said Lee head coach Patric Hynes.

"I'm a firm believer that the only way to get better is to experience close matches like this. Diego is a perfect example of that today playing in a high-pressure match as a freshman. We had some great wins today. Cristian played really well and Jesus and Nico had big wins so the team is playing well and training well and it's just a matter of time before we breakthrough," concluded Hynes.

Prior to the final home match seniors Daniel Prata, Antonio and Cristian Pons and women's senior Carley Sickinger were honored in a special ceremony.

The Flames will take a few days off before getting back to work on Saturday, April 10 as they travel to Auburn Montgomery to take on the Warhawks. First serve is set for 10 a.m.