April 16, 2004

CLINTON, Miss. - Hardin-Simmons University battled back from an early deficit to beat the University of Texas at Tyler 4-3 and claim the 2004 American Southwest Conference Championship.

HSU fell behind early losing the doubles point to UT-Tyler and lost two early singles points to trail 3-1. Needing only one more point for the win, UT-Tyler failed to convert allowing HSU to win the final three singles matches to claim the Championship.

The key match was at No. 2 singles Mark Plowman came from behind in the final set to defeat Patrick Painter 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 and even the points at 3-3. HSU would earn their final point from Wes Kidd at No. 5 singles.

Plowman earned tournament MVP honors for his performance. He was joined on the All-Tournament team by teammates Brad Grace and John Roaten.

Also earning All-Tournament honors was Greg Jones and Marciek Hunek of UT-Tyler, and Thomas Blalock of MC.