ST. LOUIS – [FINAL RESULTS] Missouri Baptist men's tennis put-up a strong opposition to a very talented McKendree University men's tennis team, but fell 6-3 on Saturday in Belleville, Ill.
Missouri Baptist (0-1) trailed 2-1 after doubles, but was impressive in its lone victory. Drew Morris and Ian Furey defeated Maximilian Ilic and Martin Martins in a close 8-6 decision.
Tanner Morris and Conner Stevenson lost at No. 1 doubles at the hands of Luciano Misitrano and Justin Leskera 8-4. The team played at a high level and showed that there may be very good things to come from the duo in 2014.
In singles action, Missouri Baptist junior Drew Morris came to play. The Kirkwood, Mo., native defeated former NCAA Division I player (Eastern Kentucky University) Aleix Alvarez 6-4, 4-6, 10-7. It was a solid match from the Spartan No. 1 player and is a preview of what looks to be a breakout year.
"Drew Morris had a huge day in both doubles and singles," said Missouri Baptist Head Men's Tennis Coach Cole Stevenson. "His offseason workout program really paid off tonight, because he had to do a ton of running against a former D-1 player."
Conner Stevenson lost to Cameron Randall at No. 2 singles 6-4 and 7-5. While it was a tough beat for Missouri Baptist junior, it was a solid match.
"We were right there in every one of our singles matches tonight," said Coach Stevenson. "Every one of them could have broken our way just as easily."
Tanner Morris, Ian Furey and Cody Taplin also lost their matches at Nos. 3, 4 and 5. No. 6, however, was a different story as Sean Nanney picked-up his first win as a Spartan over Filippo Bedin 5-7, 6-3 and 10-6.
Last season, Missouri Baptist began the year with a 9-0 loss to the Bearcats. Going all the way back to the 2009 season, Missouri Baptist has never picked-up more than two matches against McKendree. Now, with a solid showing and with a renewed focus, the team will look to make waves in the NAIA.
"All in all, this was a very solid start to our season and hopefully a sign of good things to come," said Coach Stevenson.
Missouri Baptist will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 22 when the team will play NCAA Division I cross-town opponent, Saint Louis University. First serve is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Saint Clair Tennis Club in O'Fallon, Ill.
