SUMTER, SC – Playing its second match in as many days, No. 30 Carson-Newman (13-6, 11-3 SAC) dropped a tight battle to No. 31 Catawba (14-6, 12-1 SAC) 4-3, ending the Eagles' conference tournament run in the semifinals.

The Eagles dropped the early doubles point, which was eventually the deciding factor in the highly touted semifinal match. However, C-N gave itself a fighting chance with a solid showing in singles, but the even split in singles play allowed Catawba to secure the fourth point.

The Eagles secured points in each of the top three slots, as Marnix Van Dalen defeated SAC Player of the Year Edoardo Cecere in straight sets, and Marc Janse and Gjorgji Jankulovski locked in points with straight-set wins at No. 2 and 3. However, the Indians held on down the stretch, winning No. 4 through 6 to move on to the championship match.

SINGLES RESULTS

No. 1: Marnix Van Dalen (C-N) def. Edoardo Cecere (CAT), 7-6 (7-3)/6-1

No. 2: Marc Janse (C-N) def. Mateo Berne (CAT), 6-4/6-1

No. 3: Gjorgji Jankulovski (C-N) def. Tyler Juergens (CAT), 6-1/6-2

No. 4: Alessandro Valleta (CAT) def. Lars Hordijk (C-N), 6-4/6-4

No. 5: Marcos Casteras (CAT) def. Paul Gayk (C-N), 7-5/6-4

No. 6: Ryan Little (CAT) def. Matthew Saunders (C-N), 6-1/6-4

Catawba secured the early point in doubles play, taking two of three. However, the matches could've gone either way, with the decisive match coming within two games. The Indians prevailed and secured an important point in the tight win.

DOUBLES RESULTS

No. 1: Cecere/Little (CAT) def. Van Dalen/Hordijk (C-N), 7-5

No. 2: Janse/Gayk (C-N) def. Berne/Casteras (CAT), 6-4

No. 3: Juergens/Dekester (CAT) def. Jankulovski/Saunders (C-N), 6-2

While the Eagles' SAC Tournament run ended on Friday, they will be in a good position for further postseason play. Listed under consideration and ranked No. 30 in the country, C-N looks to be in solid shape regarding its NCAA Tournament fate.