HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Senior Day didn't turn out as hoped for Houghton men's tennis as the Highlanders lost 6-3 to Oswego on Saturday at the Kerr-Pegula Field House.

Houghton finished the regular season with a 5-9 record overall and a 4-4 mark in E8 play.

Seniors Nolan Zach and Graham Cook were each honored for their contributions to the program. The tandem teamed together in doubles, losing 8-5. The Lakers were able to sweep all three doubles matches to take control.

Cook rebounded with a 6-2, 6-0 win at third singles. Houghton's other singles wins came from Sam Garay in fourth and Jason Murphy in sixth. Garay won in three (6-3, 4-6, 10-7), while Murphy won 6-3, 7-6.

"All the credit to Oswego today. They pushed us all day long and unfortunately, we couldn't quite get ahead. I wish a couple of those games in doubles went the other way, and I think it could have been a very different match. "I'm excited to have a shot at them again in playoffs.

"It was a great chance to celebrate Graham and Nolan today for their senior day. They have each had incredible careers and have been great leaders for this program. I'm so proud of them and proud to have gotten a chance to coach them. We're excited to see where God takes each of them next. Time to get back in the lab to get ready for Tuesday. Let's go Houghton!"

The pairings are set for the Empire 8 Tournament, which has a new format with new participants this spring. Houghton has earned the No. 3 seed in the West Division, behind top-seeded Nazareth and No. 2 Oswego. Houghton will travel to take on the Lakers on Tuesday, April 29 at 1 p.m. Nazareth earned a bye. The East Division features Thomas College, Norwich University and SUNY Delhi.

Final 2025 Empire 8 Men's Tennis Championship Seeds
East No. 1 – Thomas College (5-0 E8)
East No. 2 – Norwich University (4-1 E8)
East No. 3 – SUNY Delhi (3-2 E8)

West No. 1 – Nazareth University (7-1 E8)
West No. 2 – SUNY Oswego (7-1 E8)
West No. 3 – Houghton University (4-4 E8)
 
2025 Empire 8 Men's Tennis Championship Schedule

Saturday, April 26 - First Round (East Division)
East No. 2 Norwich defeated East No. 3 SUNY Delhi, 8-1

Tuesday, April 29 - First Round (West Division)
West No. 3 Houghton at West No. 2 SUNY Oswego – 1 p.m.

Friday, May 2 - Semifinals (at West No. 1)
East No. 2 Norwich at West No. 1 Nazareth – TBA
Winner of West No. 2 SUNY Oswego/No. 3 Houghton vs. East No. 1 Thomas – TBA

Saturday, May 3 - Championship (at West No. 1)
Winner of Semifinal 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal 2 – TBA