Shorthanded Men’s Tennis Stumbles at Salem State, 7-2
SALEM, Mass.- The Eastern Nazarene College men's tennis team suffered a 7-2 setback at Salem State Friday afternoon.
The Lions fall to 8-2 on the year with the loss while the Vikings improve to 2-2 overall.
The home team grabbed a 2-1 edge with a pair of wins in doubles play.
Kyle Pierson (Reading, Calif.) and Kaden Swarr (Brighton, Colo.) clipped Andrew Muttiah and John Didonato 8-6 at the No. 1 doubles position.
Shaw Campbell (Reading, Calif.) and Corey Davis (Derby, Vt.) dropped an 8-5 decision at the second spot to Chen Chen and Mitchell Dyer.
With only four players available for the match, Eastern Nazarene was forced to forfeit the No. 3 doubles match as well as the fifth and sixth singles matches.
Swarr collected the Lions' lone singles victory on the day as he cruised past Chen 6-4, 6-0 at the No. 2 slot.
Pierson fell in a three-set battle at the top spot to Muttiah. After Pierson claimed the first frame 7-5, Muttiah stormed back to capture the second 6-1 and narrowly prevailed 7-6 in the third.
Campbell absorbed a 7-6, 6-0 loss at the No. 3 singles position to Didonato while Davis endured a 6-2,6-0 setback to Roni Brazile at the fourth slot.
Looking ahead, Eastern Nazarene is slated to open conference play March 27 at home against Curry.