FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The men's tennis team picked up where they left off last year by picking up a win, 5-4, in the season opener at Saint Francis (Ind.) on Friday (Sept. 19) at Swinney Tennis Center. The Bulldogs needed to come-from-behind after trailing 2-1 through doubles. Alex Amos and freshman Brandon Brom claimed an 8-6 win at No. 3 doubles over Daniel Harrold and Tyler Baugher.

Amos continued his inspiring play into singles where he won at the No. 6 spot over Baugher (6-2, 6-2). The Bulldogs picked up four out of six points in singles action highlighted by a win at No. 1 singles by Joey Loselle over Nathan Barger (6-7, 6-4, 6-2). Michael Mertz cruised to victory at No. 3 singles with a 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Payton Selking to up his career win total to 33. The deciding match was No. 4 singles as freshman Jeff Sophiea handled the pressure well and needed three sets to defeat Tate Dishman (3-6, 6-3, 6-4).

"This was a hard-fought win by the men's team," said first-year head coach Maxim Sukalo. "We had about three weeks to get things rolling after I was hired and I am proud of our resiliency. I think putting two freshmen in the lineup and seeing them win will help build their confidence."