Michigan State Stopped by Red Raiders in National Semis

May 24, 2015

WACO, Texas - Harry Jadun and John Patrick Mullane were defeated by No. 22 Hugo Dojas and Felipe Soares of Texas Tech in the national semifinals of the NCAA Division I Men's Doubles Championship on Saturday, 6-3, 6-2.

"Credit Texas Tech, they played really well," head coach Gene Orlando said. "Whenever we put them in a tough position, they came up big. They never let us gain any momentum."

The Spartans defeated three ranked opponents, including the No. 3 seed of Luca Corinteli and Shane Ryan from Virginia, to achieve All-America status and make the semifinals.

"It's definitely disappointing because we knew we had a shot to win it all," Mullane said. "You never like losing, but it was a great run and we had a lot of fun."

Jadun and Mullane end arguably the best season of any doubles pair in Michigan State men's tennis history, with 19 wins, and more than half of those (10) coming against ranked opponents. Their final record was 19-6.

"It sets a standard and sets the bar really high," Mullane said. "It's showing our teammates that it can be done, and it's leading by example."

The example set by the Michigan State All-Americans is one that was earned, over many hours of practice, and took shape over the course of the last several months.

"It's so cool to see how hard they've worked and how far they have come," assistant coach Damian Hume said. "Even from last year, they are completely different and much improved."

The players' families came down to Baylor's campus to watch, and the Green and White faithful rallied around the doubles tandem as they advanced deeper in to the tournament.

"It's been amazing seeing all the support on social media," Mullane said. "It was great seeing everyone come together for something that's bigger than just Harry and I. We know we made Spartan Nation and our alumni proud."

For more information on the NCAA Championships, visit: http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/w-tennis/2015ncaa.html