MEN’S TENNIS DROPS FIRST MATCH OF SEASON

ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Baptist Men's Tennis team traveled to Belleville, Il. to face the McKendree Bearcats, but fell to the Division II school 7-2. Head coach Cole Stevenson remained positive after the Spartans' first loss of the season.

"Saw some really good things and some things we need to work on," Stevenson said. "I don't know if I would call it a 'good loss', but it was definitely a good measuring stick for us."

The Spartans started things off with a loss at No. 1 doubles, but followed with another victory from Tanner Morris and Sean Nanney at No. 3. Morris and Nanney have a posted a 5-0 record at that position this season. The Bearcats took No. 2 doubles 8-4.

In singles, Drew Morris played hard against Maximillian Ilic at No. 1 singles, but fell 6-2, 6-4. Yann Herve and Nanney lost at No. 3 and five respectively.

Conner Stevenson kept the match close at No. 4 singles as he was down 3-0 in the first set before coming back to lose 7-6(5). Then he lost 6-4 in the second set.

Playing in first ever collegiate match, freshman Dylan Walker fearlessly took on Dylan Faulkenberg at #6 singles. Walker dropped the first set 6-1, but kept the match interesting as he eventually fell 6-4.

Quinton Argent posted the Spartans' second win of the match at No. 2 singles. After dropping the first set 6-0 to Sebastian Brueck, Argent fought back to take the second 7-6(2) and dominated the third 6-2. The transfer from Lewis and Clark Community College has led MBU in 2015 with a 4-1 record.

"(Quinton) battled like he always does," Coach Stevenson mentioned. "Coming back from a 6-0 first set is impressive, but not at all surprising for a player of his caliber."

The Spartans will compete against Saint Louis University on Feb. 27. First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Sunset Tennis Center.

Final Results:

Doubles:

1. Ilic/Alvarez (McK) def D. Morris/Argent (MBU) 8-2

2. Brueck/Muller (McK) def Stevenson/Herve (MBU) 8-4

3. Nanney/T.Morris (MBU) def Richards/Berkel (McK) 8-5

Singles:

1. Ilic (McK) def D. Morris (MBU) 6-1, 6-4

2. Argent (MBU) def Brueck (McK) 0-6, 7-6(3), 6-2

3. Alvarez (McK) def Herve (MBU) 6-4, 6-0

4. Muller (McK) def Stevenson (MBU) 7-6(5), 6-4

5. Collier (McK) def Nanney (MBU) 6-1, 6-0