BEAVERTON, Ore. - In a dual that came down to a third-set tiebreak on the final court, the Portland State men's tennis team notched its first Big Sky victory of the 2023 season, defeating Idaho State 4-3 on Saturday at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center. The Vikings improved to 5-4 overall and 1-1 in conference action, while the Bengals fell to 3-4 overall and 0-1 in Big Sky play. 

"I'm so proud of the guys this weekend," Viking head coach Vetu Mam said after the win. "Two tough matches to open Big Sky competition and walking away with one, in the fashion we did it in, was amazing." 

The Vikings used Friday's 5-2 loss to Sacramento State as motivation against the Bengals. Energized from start to finish, PSU set the tone early with exceptional doubles play on Saturday. 

"We talked about the importance of getting that doubles point and we put in the work all week leading into the Sacramento State match," Mam said. "We fell short against them, but it was clear what changes were needed to be made and we executed in tow against the Bengals today."

The Vikings took an early lead on all three courts and never looked back. Luka Jovanovic and Andrea Brignacca made quick work of Hiroki Fujita and JW Altman, winning their fifth match of the season, 6-2, at the No. 3 spot. Jan Semerak and Gregory Gruenig followed with a 6-2 win of their own over Andrea Kramer and Valentino De Pellegrin at court one to secure the opening point for PSU. 

Semerak continued his momentum into singles play, blowing past De Pellegrin in straight sets at the No. 2 spot (6-2, 6-2). The Bengals made up ground shortly after, claiming back-to-back wins at flights three and five. 

A fired-up Brignacca put the Vikings back on top, completing a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Patrick Kristensen at the No. 1 flight. Following a Bengals victory at No. 6, attention turned to Jonas Hembo Mathiasen and Wilkus Robbertse on court four. The back-and-forth three-set thriller came down to the wire as Mathiasen delivered under pressure, pulling off a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) comeback victory to clinch the dual for Portland State. 

"The player of the match was definitely Jonas," Mam said of the junior transfer. "He took us on a roller coaster but eventually sealed the victory for us. Overall, it was a great display of heart and determination from our guys."

The Vikings will look to carry that momentum into next weekend as they continue their Big Sky slate against Northern Arizona on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center (10 a.m.).