DES MOINES, Iowa — Drake men's tennis dropped a 6–1 decision to Denver in its regular-season finale Friday afternoon at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center. The Bulldogs fell to 14–7 overall, while the Pioneers improved to 15–5.

Denver secured the early advantage by winning the doubles point with victories at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions. The pairing of Ulysse Verrando and Adan Tarquino fell 6–3 at No. 1 doubles, while Alan Gonzalez and Ben Johnson dropped a 6–3 decision at No. 2. The No. 3 doubles match featuring Arin Menon and Alex Yeager was left unfinished.

The Pioneers carried that momentum into singles play, winning five of six matches to secure the team victory.

Ben Johnson provided Drake's lone point of the afternoon, earning a 7–6 (7–4), 7–5 victory over Ryoma Mishiro at the No. 5 position. The win improved Johnson to 9–6 in dual singles play this season.

Denver earned straight-set victories at the No. 1, No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6 singles positions. Christian Winstead fell 6–2, 6–2 at the top spot, while Sam Melaga dropped a 6–3, 6–4 decision at No. 2 singles, moving to 14–2 on the season. Jose Hernandez and Alex Yeager were also defeated in straight sets at Nos. 4 and 6, respectively.

At No. 3 singles, Alan Gonzalez battled back after dropping the first set but ultimately fell in a three-set match, 2–6, 7–5, 1–0 (10–4).

Despite the result, Drake closes the regular season with a 14–7 record and a strong body of work highlighted by depth throughout its lineup. Melaga led the team with 14 singles wins, while Arin Menon added 13 victories and Hernandez contributed nine.

The Bulldogs will now await final results from around the league to determine their status for the upcoming Summit League Championships, scheduled for April 24–25 in Tulsa, Okla.