RICHMOND, Ky. – Eagle men’s tennis faced a worthy opponent in Xavier Friday afternoon in non-conference action in Richmond. The Eagles put up a strong fight, but fell short of the three-time defending Atlantic 10 champions 7-0.
With the loss MSU falls to 1-3 on the season. The Eagles first four opponents have been against teams who were all conference champions a season ago.
“We faced a very tough team today and the score doesn’t indicate how big of a battle this was. I am very proud of my guys and how they fought throughout the day,” said coach Kevin Fulton. “We are improving everyday and we are moving in the right direction and we look forward to tomorrows match against Southern Illinois as well as the rest of our schedule.”
Morehead State didn’t fair well in doubles action as they were swept at all three positions. At No. 1 senior duo Bradley Bryan and Lovell Medcalf gave a valiant effort but were downed in a close match 8-6. Xavier was able to put away matches in the two and three positions, gaining an early 1-0 advantage.
The Eagles put their doubles struggles aside and proved to be quite the out, but it still wasn't enough as Xavier was able to get a win at every spot. At the top the Eagles proved to be tough competitors. In the one position Justin Harlow lost in a tight match 7-5, 7-5 and in the two spot Bryan lost 6-4, 6-4. In the four, five and six position; White, Martin and Almonte each lost heart breakers, which gave Xavier the big advantage on the score board.
The Eagles face Southern Illinois Saturday Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. at home in the Wellness Center.
Doubles
1. Bobby Deye/Brian Starr (XU) def. BRYAN, Bradley/MEDCALF, Lovell (MOR-M) 8-6
2. Philip Diaz/Marc Pretorius (XU) def. WHITE, Roger/ALMONTE, Hugo (MOR-M) 8-0
3. Brandon MacDonald/Jimmy Roebker (XU) def. CLIFFORD, David/HARLOW, Justin (MOR-M) 8-3
Singles
1. Bobby Deye (XU) def. HARLOW, Justin (MOR-M) 7-5, 7-5
2. Jimmy Roebker (XU) def. BRYAN, Bradley (MOR-M) 6-4, 6-3
3. Brandon MacDonald (XU) def. CLIFFORD, David (MOR-M) 6-0, 6-2
4. Mesa Mei (XU) def. WHITE, Roger (MOR-M) 7-5, 6-4
5. Patrick Bandy (XU) def. MARTIN, Nathan (MOR-M) 7-5, 7-6
6. Brian Starr (XU) def. ALMONTE, Hugo (MOR-M) 7-6, 6-4
