SAN DIEGO– Using a strong start that included a clutch win in doubles, the Point Loma Sea Lions (9-10 overall) earned a narrow 4-3 victory over Concordia Eagles (6-10 overall) Wednesday afternoon on the Point Loma Tennis Courts. 

In doubles, Point Loma was already in danger of losing the point as Concordia grabbed the first victory on Court No. 2. Alexander Leischner and Alejandro Castaneda made quick work of Concordia's Jan Simon and Mike Jansen, winning 6-3 on Court No. 3.

The doubles point fell on the backs of Nabeel Khan and Tyler Davis who got off to a slow start down 3-0 on Court No. 1 but broke the serve after their opponent sent a shorthand flying into the net. After a triple breakpoint, the duo dominated the rest of the match, finishing 6-3 to secure the doubles point for Point Loma. 

"In matches like this when you know it is going to be a close score," Point Loma Head Coach Curt Wheeler said.  "Getting that doubles point early is the momentum that you need. With how it played out today, getting that point was the difference." 

Up 1-0 the Sea Lions turned to a strong start in singles play, Leischner's opponent struggled to keep up with his keen defensive strategies. Imposing control over the match pace, Leischner overwhelmed Simon from Concordia with a dominating 6-0, 6-0 victory. 

Leischner's doubles partner Castaneda was a master at the net Wednesday and earned another point for the Sea Lions winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-1 on Court No. 6. 
 
Up 3-0, Khan clinched the match for PLNU 6-4, 6-4. Khan was a menace at the net, finishing multiple games with his ability to crash off the baseline.

"Nabeel had very timely offensive points to where he came forward at the right times to put pressure on his opponent," Wheeler said. "He had a great combination today of making the right decision at the right time and also finishing with the volley." 

The point proved to be crucial to Point Loma's win as Concordia rattled off three consecutive points to close the day.
 
"We knew it was going to be a battle today, coach and I have been working a lot on me having trust in my game., Khan said of his win. "I played pretty aggressively but I played within myself that really helped in doubles and in singles and it kept that energy going for everyone else." 

Point Loma had the match in the bag before Concordia's comeback, presenting an opportunity to finish the season above .500.

The Sea Lions will be back in action at home for Senior Day this Saturday, April 9th with a PacWest matchup against Biola. The first serve is scheduled for 2:00 pm at the PLNU Tennis Courts.