JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.—Following a pivotal 7-2 win over Mars Hill on April 2, the Carson-Newman men's tennis team will be back in action Wednesday at Reinhardt beginning at noon for match one of two non-conference contests the Eagles will take part in on the week.

Carson-Newman (6-9) will travel to Reinhardt (9-3), who are also nicknamed the eagles, for C-N's seventh out of conference game of the season.

Reinhardt competes in the NAIA's Appalachian Athletic Conference and are coming off two wins in their last two outings on the season.

The Eagles took down Milligan 6-2 on March 20 and made quick work of Bluefield College 8-1 on April 3.

Reinhardt disposed of Shorter 6-3 on Feb. 24 in its only other outing against a Division II opponent this season.

Coached by Jennifer Sackman, the Eagles welcome back a bevy of returners to the squad on the year which include seniors Steven Sepulveda and Maksim Yorsh. Three other juniors comprise the experienced club which also welcome three sophomores and two true freshman.

Carson-Newman snapped its longest losing streak of the season with a 7-2 win over the Lions in its last contest and have leaned on the top of its singles lineup to carry the weight on the season.  

Joao Pedro Oliveira (Brazil) has recorded an 8-7 record as the Eagles' No. 1 singles player. Juan Sebastian Perez (Ecuador) has played solid on the year as well as the senior has produced a 9-6 record. Freshman Jesus Barcete-Sanz has also played well in singles play, notching an 8-6 record to date.

Perez has won seven singles matches in-a-row and has not lost since being defeated by Lenoir-Rhyne's Tom Hons 6-7, 4-6 on March 16.

"We have a couple of non-conference matches this week prior to a Saturday's conference match with Queens.  We are looking to continue to work on doubles and singles improvements during the non-conference matches," coach Jean Love said. "Also, we will be able to rest some players in preparation for next conference match.  We have given great effort and seen improvement throughout the season.  We are really focusing on finishing the season strong.  Sometimes in sports and in life, you do not get the outcome that you wanted.  The measuring stick is did you persevere? Did you give it everything you had?  I expect no less from both teams.  They have given great effort all season and have improved. A strong finish is now needed regardless of outcome."

A full recap following Carson-Newman's tennis match with Reinhardt can be found on cneagles.com at the conclusion of action. 

-CN-