Courtesy of Kurt Miller, Kalamazoo College Assistant Sports Information Director

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Looking to become the seventh singles National Champion in Kalamazoo College men's tennis history, Branden Metzler's magical run at the NCAA Division III Championships ended Saturday afternoon in the championship match.

Metzler was defeated by Skyler Butts of Claremont Mudd Scripps 6-2, 6-7 (0-7), 6-2.

Energized by the Hornet faithful throughout the week, Metzler's back was against the wall having lost the first set and trailing late in the second set.

But Metzler didn't go without a fight. After forcing a tiebreak, he won seven straight points sending the match to a definitive third set.

Ultimately, though, the day ended in Butts' favor.

With Metzler's run in the NCAA tournament, he ends the season with an overall singles record of 31-3.