BOISE – Junior Matteo Masala earned a runner-up finish in singles action, as the Idaho men's tennis team closed out competition at the General Patton Invitational hosted by Boise State on Sunday.

Idaho's All-Big Sky performer from the 2022 spring season led the way for the Vandals with a 3-1 record and two straight-set victories in singles. Masala had to battle back from down a set (2-6) in the opening round to Michael Bott (Boise State), taking the final two sets convincingly 6-3, 6-1. A 6-4, 6-2 win over Roko Savin of Utah State and 6-4, 6-4 victory against Jan Lucca Marquardt (Boise State) clinched Masala a trip to the title match. Boise State's Simon Arca Costas ultimately took home the first place finish, defeating Masala 7-6(7), 6-1.

Four Vandals traveled to compete in the three-day tournament that featured some of the best players in the region. Each student-athlete picked up at least one win, including true freshman Taiyo Kurata, who earned a trip to the consolation finals.

Bruno Casino put together a 3-1 record in singles play. He battled through the tournament field, advancing to the quarterfinals with an injury forfeit against Montana's Sam Baldwin. The Idaho senior fell in the quarters to Stijn Paardekooper of Utah State, 6-4, 7-6.  

Mario Duron also earned a trip to the quarterfinals after defeating Caelan Potts (Saint Mary's) 6-2, 7-6 (1). He was ultimately bested by singles champion Costas in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1.  

The Vandals return to action next weekend at the Bedford Cup hosted by Air Force, Sept. 23-25.

Singles Results
R16. Jan Lucca Marquardt (BSU) def. Taiyo Kurata (UI) 6-2, 6-3
R16. Mario Duron (UI) def. Caelan Potts (SMC) 6-2, 7-6 (1)
R16. Matteo Masala (UI) def. Michael Bott (BSU) 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
R16. Bruno Casino (UI) def. Sam Baldwin (UM) 6-7(5), 2-0 ret (inj)
QF. Matteo Masala (UI) def. Roko Savin (USU) 6-4, 6-2
QF. Stijn Paardekooper (USU) def. Bruno Casino (UI) 6-4, 7-6 (2)
QF. Simon Arca Costas (BSU) def. Mario Duron (UI) 7-5, 6-1
SF. Matteo Masala (UI) def. Jan Lucca Marquardt (BSU) 6-4, 6-4
CQF. Taiyo Kurata (UI) def. Jake Watkins (UM) 6-2, 6-1
C. Bruno Casino (UI) def. Mario Duron (UI) 6-7(5), 6-0, 1-0 (10-6)
F. Simon Arca Costas (BSU) def. Matteo Masala (UI) 7-6(7), 6-1
CSF. Taiyo Kurata (UI) def. Michael Bott (BSU) 6-0 ret. (inj)
CF. Javier Ruiz Medina (USU) def. Taiyo Kurata (UI) 4-6, 6-3, 1-0(10-1)
PU. Bruno Casino (UI) def. Roko Savin (USU) 7-5, 6-4

Double Results
R16. George Russell/Sam Baldwin (UM) def. Taiyo Kurata/Matteo Masala (UI) 8-6
R16. Bruno Casino/Mario Duron (UI) def. Carlos Ramos/Diego Jarry (SMC) 8-5
CSF. Simon Arca Costas/Caden Moortgat (BSU) def. Bruno Casino/Mario Duron (UI) 8-3
CSF. Taiyo Kurata/Matteo Masala (UI) def. Jake Watkins/Josh Watkins (UM) 8-1

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