After going undefeated three weeks for three weeks, Texas saw its hopes of a national title end quickly this weekend.

The Longhorns, who won their first five matches of the season, traveled to Chicago for the ITA Indoor National Championships but lost the first match of the tournament Friday in heartbreaking fashion to the defending champions, No. 8 Ohio State. 

Texas began the match in a 2–0 hole after losing the doubles point as well as the fifth singles match, but the Longhorns rallied to win three of the next four matches to tie the contest. Still, despite the strong play of seniors No. 16 Søren Hess-Olesen and No. 65 Adrien Berkowicz, Texas lost the match after freshman John Mee lost in sixth singles, 5–7, 6–1, 7–5.

“It was a great match today,” Texas head coach Michael Center said. “I’m disappointed that we lost, but we are improving as a team. This tournament has a way of making teams better and stronger later in the season, and I see that progression with this team.”

Despite the opening loss, Texas came out strong in the consolation matches. The Longhorns quickly took care of No. 16 Penn State on Saturday, sweeping the match 4–0. Dominance form the top of the Longhorns roster once again marked the victory, as all three of Texas’ top players won their matches in straight sets, including a hard fought 6–4 6–4 victory from senior Lloyd Glasspool.       

Texas continued to impress in its final match of the tournament Sunday afternoon against No. 13 Columbia, as it won by a score of 4–1, winning four consecutive singles matches following a loss of the doubles point. 

The Longhorns, who have proved this season to be a top contender in the nation, return to action against North Carolina on Friday.