St. Thomas men’s tennis lost two third-set tiebreakers to fall 5-4 to St. John’s University in the MIAC quarterfinals Wednesday at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center.

The loss ended the Tommies’ season with a record of 10-6 overall and 6-3 in the MIAC, while the Johnnies continue their playoff run at 9-10 overall and 4-5 in the MIAC.

Freshman Grant Johnson stepped in for senior Steven Skanse at six singles when Skanse was unable to play the match due to chest pains, however, Johnson fell in back-to-back sets 3-6, 4-6.

Skanse said a lot of problems plagued the team going into this matchup.

“One of our guys was sick, and I had to come out because my chest was hurting, so it was a lot of little things that led up to this loss, I guess,” Skanse said.

The Tommies grabbed an early 2-1 lead after the doubles matches ended. Though sophomore Brady Radermacher and Matt Runde won their singles matches, freshmen Scott Wall, Matt Kavanaugh and Grant Johnson all lost, leaving the match count tied at 4-4.

No. 2 singles player freshman Burke Anderson was the final match on the court, but St. John’s senior Joe Laue capitalized to win their meet-deciding third-set tiebreaker 10-3.

Coach Terry Peck said he was proud of his team’s performance regardless of the outcome.

“I thought for the most part we outplayed them,” Peck said. “We just couldn’t finish.”

Skanse is the only senior on the team who won’t return next year.

“Obviously it stinks to lose, but I’ve had a blast,” Skanse said. “Terry and this team have given me a lot, and I’m just glad I could give back.”

St. Johns will travel to Gustavus (26-5 overall, 9-0 MIAC) to play the Gusties in the MIAC semifinals Friday.

Molly Sigler can be reached at sigl1215@stthomas.edu.