JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman men's tennis team (3-6, 2-4 SAC) were unable to cap off a strong start in doubles play as they fell to the Newberry Wolves (9-7, 3-4) 6-3 Saturday afternoon at the Carson-Newman Tennis Complex.

Midway through the singles matches, the Eagles and Wolves were tied 3-3, but Newberry took the last three points for the victory. 

Senior Austin Mackay (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) acknowledged earlier this week that the key for C-N's success was to get off to a good start in doubles. The Eagles did just that as they took two of the opening three in doubles play. Juan Sebastian Perez (Ecuador) and teammate Kevin Mendes (Woodstock, Ga) took the No. 2 match 8-2 and Joao Pedro Oliveira (Brazil) and Mackay followed suit with an 8-4 victory at third spot.

The opposite occurred in singles play as the Eagles could only muster up one win. The lone victory for Carson-Newman came from Perez as he overcame a set one tiebreaker in a three set match to secure a 6-7(5), 6-4, and 6-3 victory. 

Oliveira and Stefano Daza (Venezuela) were put out quickly, only needed two sets a piece. Oliveira lost at No. 1 6-3, 6-4 and Daza came up short at No. 2 6-4, 6-1. The remaining Eagles fell as well, although they were bested in three sets.

Mackay fell at No. 4 6-7, 6-3, and 6-1 and Mendes lost as well, 5-7, 7-5, and 6-4 at No. 5. Senior Garret Duron (Woodstock, Ga) capped off the day with a 1-6, 6-0, and 6-3 losses.

"Tough loss for the guys," coach Love said of her team. "We had won first sets in the two deciding singles matches but just could not close out those matches."

The Eagles will try it again Sunday as they play host to Queens (N.C.) University Royals at 1 p.m on Mossy Creek. 

-CN-