JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — For the second time this season, the Carson-Newman men's tennis team (3-7, 2-5 SAC) is experiencing a three match-losing streak after falling to Queens (N.C.) Royals (8-1, 3-1 SAC) 6-3 Sunday afternoon at the Carson-Newman Tennis Complex.
As per usual, the Eagles were off to a good start as they picked up two victories in doubles play. Juan Sebastian Perez (Ecuador) and Kevin Mendes (Woodstock, Ga.) teamed up to put down a pair of Royals 8-2 in the No. 2 match. Joao Pedro Oliveira (Brazil) and Austin Mackay (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) kept pace as well, winning the No. 3 match 8-5.
"We came out strong in doubles but could not get enough singles victories," coach Jean Love said. "We were competitive in several matches but just could not win the big points."
That was the last lead Carson-Newman held as the Eagles only won one singles match for fifth time this season. Oliveira fell at No. 1 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-0 and Perez followed with a 6-4, 6-4 defeat in two sets. Stefano Daza (Venezuela) also fell in two sets at No. 3, 7-5, 6-4.
Mendes and Garret Duron (Woodstock, Ga.) came up short as well in the No. 5 and 6 matches. Mendes suffered a 7-5, 6-4 defeat and Duron fell 6-3, 6-0 to cap off the day.
A bright spot worth noting for the Eagles was the senior Mackay. The No. 4 singles player was the lone Eagle to record a win as he took down his opponent 6-3, 0-6, and 7-6(1). This was Mackay's first victory in singles this season.
Carson-Newman will make the trek up I-81 to Greeneville, Tenn for a conference showdown with rival Tusculum on Tuesday. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m.
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