Mobile, AL-After a three-hour rain delay on day two of the 2009 NAIA Men's Tennis National Championships, GU saw their title hopes washed away.

In the closest match of the day, Vanguard (California) exacted revenge on Graceland, after the Yellowjackets knocked them out of last year's tournament to advance to the quarterfinals. The Lions had to come from behind after losing No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Graceland took No. 2 doubles 8-4 and No. 3 doubles 8-6, but Vanguard got wins at numbers 1, 3, 4 and 5 singles to pick up the victory, 5-3.

"I'm so proud of these guys and how they played all season long," stated Coach Hampton following the Jackets loss.  "We knew Vanguard would be ready for us this year after we knocked them out last year, and they came back stronger than ever.  We were in pretty good shape following the doubles matches up 2-1 but just couldn't finish them off in singles.  What a great year though, I'm going to miss all of the guys who are graduating and they've been great to coach for four years," concluded Hampton.

The tennis team finishes their season at a fantastic 17-4.  Coach Hampton will begin his off-season recruiting as he looks to retool for the 2010 campaign.  Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of the men's tennis team and all of Jacket athletics.