JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman (2-7) men's tennis team fell 8-1 to Bluefield State College (2-1) on its home courts Saturday afternoon.

"It was a tough day for us," Carson-Newman head tennis coach Jean Love said. "Austin Mackay played a gutsy three setter to earn our only team point of the day."

Austin Mackay (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) funded the Eagles' solitary point at no. 5 singles. He defeated Vlad Catlan in three sets resulting in a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 decision. Mackay is now on a three game winning streak.

"I cannot say enough about Austin's play over the last several matches," Coach Love said. "He has been our most consistent player in doubles and singles."

Freshman Stefano Daza (Venezuela) neared victory at no. 3 singles but ended up dropping a third set tiebreaker to Piotr Kruk 3-6, 6-3, 10-6. Joao Pedro Oliveria (Brazil) battled hard in the no. 2 position but ultimately lost 7-5, 6-4 to Aziz Yuldashev.

"In singles, we played well at no. 1, 2 and 3," Coach Love said. "We just could not convert on important points."

The doubles team of Juan Perez (Ecuador) and Oliveria almost came out victorious in the no. 1 spot. "Juan and JP were on serve," Coach Love said, "right until the last game. They just made a few mistakes and the opponents hit some good shots." The duo was overcome by Jacob Carey and Kruk for an 8-6 final.

 "The three match win streak of Mackay/Daza," Coach Love said, "was snapped today." Mackay and Daza suffered an 8-5 contest at no. 2 doubles to Catlan and Vishwesh Sinha.

"We were right there in two out of the three doubles matches, and in four of the six singles matches," Coach Love said. "We have just got to win a few of the important points to get us over the hump. I just love the effort our guys are putting forth."

The Eagles pick back up with conference play Friday, March 7 at home against Lenoir-Rhyne at 2 p.m.