ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist men's tennis went down to the wire against a talented team from Baker University over the weekend in a 5-4 loss.

Missouri Baptist (1-2) opened the match with another victory by the No. 1 doubles team of Drew Morris and Mike Rubinelli. The duo has put together another great season in 2013 and picked-up another victory. This was, however, the only doubles win for MBU as Baker won both No. 2 and 3 doubles matches.

Baker entered singles play with a 2-1 lead and picked-up its third point at No. 1 singles. Gianfranco Moncada defeated Drew Morris in three sets, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Mike Rubinelli, however, picked-up his doubles partner. The senior defeated Zach Aldrich in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3 and put MBU within striking distance.

The Spartans not only evened the score after a Connor Stevenson victory at No. 3 singles, but took a lead. Tanner Morris won his match at No. 4 over Aran Greenbann 6-2, 6-2 and just like that, Missouri Baptist had a 4-3 lead.

Losses at No. 5 and 6 singles, however, left MBU just short of a victory against Baker. The Spartans are now 1-2 on the year and will have a chance to get back to .500 when the team hosts Fontbonne University on March 14. Game time is schedules for 12:00 p.m. at CBC.