COLUMBUS, Ohio – Toledo faced its toughest test of the season at No. 1 Ohio State on Wednesday, falling to the Buckeyes, 7-0.

Despite the loss, head coach Al Wermer said the Rockets took away something positive form the match.

"I think we can use this team loss as a learning tool, which is expected when you're playing the best," Wermer said. "Not surprisingly, I predict Ohio State to win it all this year."

Senior Pawit Sornlaksup saw his 45-match winning streak come to an end in a forced three-set fight from the No. 1 court.

"Pawit's streak of 45 consecutive matches will become more astounding as the years go by," Wermer added. "That historic consistency is beyond hard to put into context. His exhaustive skill set is only exceeded by his mental toughness."

Sornlaksup, ranked No. 68 in the country, took on Cannon Kingsley. Sornlaksup fell 6-1 in the first set and came back with fire in the second set (7-5) to force a super tiebreaker. Sornalksup fought off two match points but ultimately was defeated 11-9 ending a two-year streak that dates back to January 29, 2022. Sornlaksup's 45 consecutive matches in dual competition is the longest streak in Toledo history by far.

OSU extended its lead to 3-0 after taking the No. 5 and No. 4 courts. The Buckeyes then clinched the match from a two-set victory at the No. 3 court.

The Rockets took the court with some of the top singles and doubles teams ranked in the country. Freshman Cole Cozens lost to No.4 JJ Tracy, while freshman Charlie Snow fell to No. 11 Jack Anthrop. Sornlaksup and Marko Galic took on the No.1 doubles team in the country, Robert Cash and JJ Tracy, and trailed 5-1 before the match was ruled unfinished. Freshman Poonthong Komolpisut and junior Hanamichi Carvajal fell 6-1 to the No. 52 ranked pair, Jack Anthrop/ Preston Stearns, giving OSU a 1-0 lead going into singles play.

The Rockets are now 2-3 overall with two more matches to play this weekend to end their even-match road series that opened their 2024 spring schedule. Toledo will play Penn State in University Park, Pa. on Friday, Jan. 26 at 5:00 p.m.

No.1 Ohio State 7, Toledo 0
Singles
1. Cannon Kingsley (OSU) def. Pawit Sornlaksup (TOL) 6-1, 5-7, 11-9
2. Justin Boulais (OSU) def. Marko Galic (TOL) 6-2, 6-2
3. #4 JJ Tracy (OSU) def. Cole Cozens (TOL) 6-1, 6-2
4. #11 Jack Anthrop (OSU) def. Charlie Snow (TOL) 6-1, 6-1          
5. Robert Cash (OSU) def. Hanamichi Carvajal (TOL) 6-0, 6-1
6. Preston Stearns (OSU) def. Matias Olivero (TOL) 6-3, 6-0    
                        
Doubles
1. #1 Robert Cash/ JJ Tracy (OSU) vs. Pawit Sornlaksup/ Marko Galic (TOL), 5-1 unfinished
2. Cannon Kingsley/ Justin Boulais (OSU) def. Cole Cozens/ Charlie Snow (TOL) 6-0
3. #53 Jack Anthrop/ Preston Stearns (OSU) def. Poonthong Komolpisut/ Hanamichi Carvajal (TOL) 6-1