In back-to-back home fixtures over the weekend, the University of New Mexico (13-10) lost 4-1 to Utah State (16-8) on Friday but responded two days later with a dramatic 4-3 victory over rivals Boise State (9-17).
Tied 3-3 against the Broncos, the deciding point fell onto the shoulders of UNM senior and Albuquerque native Sean Baklini, who at the No. 6 position was pitted against Bronco senior Ryland McDermott.
McDermott, 8-10 in singles this year, won the first set against Baklini 6-4, putting the Broncos one step closer to clinching the overall victory.
But in the second set, Baklini fought for survival, and after forcing a second-set tiebreak, won the second set 7-6 (7-5) to force a third set.