HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The Carson-Newman men's tennis team hit the road for their second match of the season Saturday as the University of Alabama - Huntsville Chargers handed the Eagles their second straight loss in a 5-4 defeat.
Playing the similar tune of last Saturday's match against Young Harris, Carson-Newman jumped out to an early 2-1 lead with two victories in the doubles sets. Juan Sebastian Perez (Ecadour) and Kevin Mendes (Woodstock, Ga.) teamed up to take down the No. 2 Charger duo with a score of 8-5. Joao Pedro Oliveira (Brazil) and Austin Mackay (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) followed suit with an 8-6 victory to close out the doubles matches.
"It was another good outing in doubles for us," coach Jean Love said. "Good performances by No. 2 and No. 3 doubles teams."
With good energy, the Eagles headed into singles matches, where they were held winless in the opening match of the season against Young Harris. No. 3 singles player Stefano Daza (Venezuela) defeated David Cooper 7-6(4), 6-3. Mendes immediately followed up with a 6-3, 7-5 defeat over Pablo Herrero. That was all Carson-Newman could account for in singles play.
"This was a tough match to lose," Love said. "It went to last match on court #6 Singles. Austin was up in both sets but couldn't close the deal."
Despite the loss, Love said she is satisfied with her team's growth.
"Our conditioning program is paying dividends," Love said. "Last year we lost 7-2 to this team, so I am pleased with our progress."
Carson-Newman (0-2) returns home this Friday to take on Southern Wesleyan at 1 p.m.
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