The Saluki men and women’s tennis teams get ready to end their fall schedule with the conclusion of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.

Both teams had some success, but ultimately no Saluki players advanced to the finals of the tournament. The women’s team finished its last match of the tournament Monday, while the men’s tournament ends today.

While facing some of the top teams in the region, sophomore Jorge Cavero continued to lead his team through his consistent play, coach Dann Nelson said.

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“He’s been playing really well; he’s one of our top players and he trains hard,” Nelson said. “He’s gaining more of a leadership role on the team.”

Cavero defeated the ninth overall seeded player, freshman Maniel Bains of Oklahoma State 7-6(5), 6-1. After he defeated the No. 9 seed, Cavero said he displayed his leadership role on the team with his court performances rather then being a vocal leader.

“By working hard and training, I started out as No. 4 (singles), now I think I’m No. 1,” Cavero said. “I just try to set a good example.”

Cavero then went on to defeat freshman Parker Allen of Oral Roberts University 6-1, 6-1, to set up a match with freshman Chris Haworth of Oklahoma State, which Cavero lost 6-1, 6-1.

Freshman Martijn Admiraal continued to play well after winning his first two matches of his career at the Saluki Classic Oct. 16. He played himself into the main draw after winning two matches during the qualifying round 4-6, 6-0, 10-8 and 6-4, 6-0. Though he lost his opening match in the main draw 6-3, 7-6(4), Nelson said he is pleased with the freshman’s performance.

“He played a really good player in the opening round, and it shows how quickly he has matured in the last month,” Nelson said. “I knew he was a good player, but he keeps working hard and getting better.”

Admiraal’s success continued during doubles as he and team captain Brandon Florez competed for the first time as doubles partners. The two became partners after freshman Szymon Opieczonek was sidelined with an injury. The duo defeated Wichita States doubles team 8-3. Florez said he credits their ability to adapt to each other’s play styles as the reason for their success.

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“We’ve always gotten along and our games are really similar,” Florez said. “Once we figured out our net play, we both played well with good volleys.”

The doubles team of Cavero and junior Badr Cherradi lost in its opening match 9-7, but Cavero said he is still proud.

“Overall we did well; we lost to some good guys,” Cavero said.

Regionals are the final matches of the year and Cavero said he looks forward to the spring.

“We have things to work on, but I am looking forward to getting better,” Cavero said.

While the men had success in the opening rounds, the SIU women’s tennis team ended the final day of the tournament Monday.

In the women’s singles main draws, junior Melanie Delsart and sophomore Anita Lee were both defeated in the first round 6-3,6-3 and 6-0,6-2. Jennifer Dien also lost her singles match 6-0, 6-0 after she qualified for the main draw by defeating senior Ceara Howey of Arkansas State 6-4,6-4.

The doubles duo of sophomore Korey Love and Delsart advanced past the opening round after receiving a bye the first round.  They were then able to beat the University of Tulsa’s doubles team 8-5, but lost their next match 8-4 to the sixth overall doubles team in the tournament. On the final day of regionals, Lee and Dien were defeated in the singles consolation round 6-4,6-3 and 6-1,6-1 respectively.