MOBILE, AL --- After picking up a win in doubles action to avoid taking on a 3-0 deficit heading to singles, All-GSAC honoree Andrey Potapkin took his match to three sets, but eventually fell, as Concordia's season came to an end with a 5-3 loss to Embry-Riddle (FL) Thursday afternoon.

The Eagles finish up at 16-5 on the campaign, which marks their second consecutive trip to the quarterfinal round of the NAIA National Championships at Mobile Tennis Center.

"This group of men is very special," head coach John Norton said. "They are a tough, fighting, fearless group who refuse to quit. We went down in the match, and just when it looked like Embry-Riddle was going to close us out, the men clawed their way back in. It was the fight of their lives, and a very inspirational loss."

Potapkin paired up with Bruno Santarelli for a 9-7 win at the top spot in doubles play, and Santarelli held on for a 6-4, 6-2 victory in singles, while Jan Guler won by scores of 6-4, 6-4 for the third win of the day.

The score was knotted up at 3-3 when Potapkin battled Peter Francis at the No. 2 spot, but Francis came through back for a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 win to clinch the match for Embry-Riddle, which advances to semifinal play.

The loss marks the end of the road for Chris Paish and All-GSAC selection Augusto Elias, both graduating seniors.

To view more information on the NAIA National Championships, click here.