FRESNO, Calif.- In a tightly contested battle at the Haak Tennis Complex, the #38 Fresno Pacific Sunbirds secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over #47 MSU Denver, proving their resilience in high-pressure moments. The match featured intense rallies, momentum swings, and a clutch performance by senior Ravi Nelson, whose third-set triumph at the top singles spot sealed the win for the Sunbirds.

The Sunbirds set the tone early by claiming the doubles point, winning two of the three matches. Martin Ramirez and Gregor Kliimask dominated on No. 2 doubles, securing a 6-2 win, while Emilio Seelbach and Brodie Sodersten edged out a tight 7-5 battle at No. 3 doubles, giving the 'Birds the point and a 1-0 advantage that would prove critical. 

The Roadrunners fought back in singles, leveling the match at 1-1 with a straight sets victory at No. 3 singles. MSU Denver struck again at No. 6 singles with another straight sets victory, giving them their first lead of the day 2-1. However, at No. 4 singles, Kliimask tied the match back up, delivering a commanding 6-4, 6-1 win, showcasing aggressive shot-making and precise ball placement. The Roadunners responded at the No. 5 singles, as the 'Birds Cedric Kaufman fell in a hard-fought 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 battle battle, once again giving MSU Denver the lead 3-2. The Sunbirds answered as Sodersten pulled out the match at the No. 2 singles position, in a grueling three sets, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-3. 

With everything on the line, Nelson took center stage in the decisive match at No. 1 singles. Nelson came out firing, taking the first set 6-2, but Limongi Ollers fought back in the second, winning 6-4 to force a decisive third set. In a tense battle filled with extended rallies and crucial break points, Nelson held his nerve, securing a 6-4 third set victory to clinch the overall 4-3 for Fresno Pacific. 

UP NEXT

The Sunbirds will wrap up the Fresno Pods with a final match against the Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans tomorrow at 1pm, following the women's match at 9am at the Haak Tennis Complex. 

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