NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Carson-Newman (2-6, 0-1 SAC) men's tennis team lost 7-2 to Newberry (3-3, 1-1 SAC) in its first conference match this afternoon.

"The guys competed well in spots," Carson-Newman head tennis coach Jean Love said. "We came out strong in doubles only to get broken at crucial times in the matches that we lost."

In doubles play, Austin Mackay (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) and Stefano Daza contributed a point with an 8-6 win over Fernando Espana and Carlos Nicolopulos in the no. 2 spot.

The team of Juan Perez (Ecuador) and Joao Pedro Oliveria (Brazil) fell just shy of victory with an 8-5 score in favor of Vinicius Botelho and Michael Saunders at no. 1 doubles.

Mackay provided the Eagles' second point at no. 5 singles; he dominated Nicolopulos 6-4, 6-2.

"Austin played solid tennis today," Coach Love said, "and was part of the two team points we won."

Daza put up a good fight against Espana at no. 3 doubles before dropping the contest 7-5, 6-3.

The Eagles continue conference play on the road Wednesday at Mars Hill. The match will begin at 1 p.m.