ATHENS, Ga. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF Men's Tennis junior Korey Lovett concluded his run at the NCAA Singles Championships Thursday as he fell, 6-1, 6-1, to top-seeded Mikael Torpegaard of Ohio State.
"Korey had a great season," UCF head coach John Roddick said. "Mikael played a great match today. I am really proud of Korey's effort all year."
No. 42 Lovett started the match on-serve with Torpegaard. The two were all tied up at deuce (40-40) when Torpegaard forced a tough backhand to go up 4-1. The Buckeye held serve and then broke Lovett to take the first set.
Opening the second set, Torpegaard broke Lovett to take a 1-0 lead. Lovett, the Brevard, N.C., native, forced many games to deuce, but the Buckeye made the necessary shots to secure the victory.
Lovett put an end to an incredible season. He finished with a 15-8 record on the top singles court in dual match play. He started the season with a six-match winning streak and added wins against multiple ranked opponents, including No. 28 Or Ram-Harel of Tulsa. He was one of four American Athletic Conference players to earn a berth to the NCAA Singles Tournament.
Lovett has helped the Knights secure five top-30 wins this season. UCF finished the season ranked No. 33 in the nation and earned its first bid to the NCAA Tournament since 2005 this season. The Knights fell to Louisville, 4-3, in the first round.
