Philadelphia, Pa. - With a bid to nationals at stake, the No. 3 seed Adelphi University men's tennis team concluded a historic year with a 4-2 loss to No. 2 seed Jefferson University in the 2024 NCAA Division II Championship at Legacy Youth Tennis Center in Philadelphia.

In a year in which the 'Cats claimed their first-ever NE10 Championship title, the Panthers wrapped up the 2023-24 season at 13-8 overall -- tying the most wins for the program since 2012-13, and recording the most victories in a season under fifth-year head coach Rebecca Fakas.

In each of the last five seasons that Fakas has led the men's team, Adelphi has seen a steady uptick in wins every season, earmarked by a pair of NE10 regular-season trophies in 2023 and 2024.

"It was a historic season for the men's team and I'm proud of how far we've come," Fakas reflected. "Winning the NE10 title for the first time and making the final round of regionals are huge accomplishments."

"Today was a tough loss, but a great learning experience for the group. This year, the team set a new standard for the program, and we will continue to dream big."

Jefferson (18-5) displayed its firepower from the start, winning at No. 1 (6-3) and No. 3 doubles (6-0) in convincing fashion.

As the Rams are prepared to return to the final site of the NCAA Division II Championship for a second-consecutive year, the Brown and Gold put up a strong fight.

Capping off an astounding year that saw him repeat as NE10 Player of the Year, Marko Jovanovic won in straight sets at No. 1 singles, 6-3, 6-3.

Reece Farrow followed with a 6-4, 6-2 decision at No. 6 singles that -- at the time -- leveled the score of the match at 2-apiece.

Even with Hugo Munoz Reinoso leading in the third set of his match, Thomas Horsley's 6-1, 0-6, 5-7 defeat at No. 5 singles was the clincher for Jefferson.

Fakas and the Panthers will now turn their attention to the 2024-25 season next fall. Stay tuned to AUPanthers.com for the most up-to-the-minute updates on the Adelphi men's tennis team.