SAN DIEGO– The Point Loma Sea Lions (8-7 overall) fought down to the wire against PacWest foe Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans (3-8 overall) 3-4 Friday at the Point Loma Tennis Courts. 
 
Following a 1-6 loss in the 2020-21 season against the Vulcans, the Sea Lions were prepared for a rematch. 

"Today was another example of how we have continued to improve this season." said Head Coach Curt Wheeler " I am proud of the guys in how they prepared and played. It came down to a couple of points here and there that didn't go our way against a very strong team". 

In doubles play, David Straussburger and Jasdeep Paintal led the way for Point Loma with a strong 6-1 performance on court 2. 
 
Following closely behind, Alexander Leischner and Alejandro Castaneda finish 6-2 on court 3 to mark the doubles point onto the other side of the board. Castaneda took part in his 5th consecutive doubles win, which put PLNU up 1-0 over UHH. 
 
The Vulcans came out hot in singles play, as they bounced back and took court four and tied up the score 1-1 against the Sea Lions. 

Paintal racked up his 6th singles win in a row, using power in a two-set triumph over his court 6 opponent 6-3, 6-3. 

"Jasdeep has been playing some really solid tennis as of late," said Wheeler. "The biggest thing is setting up a plan, he showcased that great confidence to go and execute that plan as he consistently set up points in his favor."

Hawaii Hilo answered back, taking courts 1 and 3 to take a 3-2 lead. 
 
A whirlwind of lead changes swayed in favor of the Vulcan as on court 2, as they took the third set 4-6 over the Sea Lions, clinching the match with a 4-2 win. 
 
Meanwhile, Castaneda found himself in a heated game on court 5. He took the first set 6-3 but fell 2-6 in the second. Castaneda swung the final point in favor of the Sea Lions, taking set three 7-6 (7-5) for the third PLNU point. The junior out of Tijuana was the only Sea Lion to mark points in doubles and singles play against the Vulcans. 

"Alejandro controlled the front part of the court" reflected Wheeler "His strength of finishing points at the net was something that gave him advantage today in the big moments toward the end of the third set."

The PLNU men's tennis team will be back in action at home on Monday, March 21st to face Williams College at 3:00 pm. For all of the latest Sea Lions updates, visit plnusealions.com.