Rochester lost, 7-0, to second-ranked Emory University in the championship match of the University Athletic Association championships at Brandeis University.

The Yellowjackets upended 17th-ranked Washington University, 4-3, in the semifinals on Saturday.

This was UR's first appearance in the UAA title match since 1997.

Two freshmen - Eric Hansen and Mike Lee - took their Emory opponents to a third set. Hansen lost, 2-6, 6-4, 4-6 at #2 singles and Lee lost, 6-1, 2-6, 2-6, at #6. Emory won the other four matches in straight sets.

On Saturday against Washington, the deciding match was won by Lee at sixth singles. He defeated Chris Kuppler, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2). The Yellowjackets lost the doubles point and trailed, 3-1 before rallying to win the final three singles positions. Freshman Thanos Kantarelis won, 6-4, 6-2 at #4, Eric Prince won, 6-4, 7-6 (7-1) at #5 to set up Lee for the clincher. Hansen won, 6-2, 7-6 (7-0) at #2 singles for the other UR point.

“It was just toughness on our part,” said UR coach Anna Khvalina. “We've lost enough close ones in the last few years to make us tough. We showed a lot of character in pulling it out.”

UR (17-3) broke into the Division III poll this week at #24.