Men's Tennis Southern Conference

ETSU Falls At Virginia Tech In NCAA Tourney

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The ETSU men's tennis team pushed No. 15 Virginia Tech to the brink of defeat Friday, but the Hokies outlasted the Bucs' comeback attempt as Virginia Tech edged ETSU, 4-1, in the opening round of the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship in Blacksburg, Va.

After narrowly winning the doubles point, the 15th-ranked Hokies (20-4) extended their match advantage to 3-0 with two singles victories; however, the relentless Buccaneers (17-8) responded with a win at No. 1 Singles by David Biosca.

Ismael Merino was leading at No. 6 Singles, 7-6, 6-6, while two other ETSU players pushed their matches to third sets: Sebastian Yllera at No. 4, and Robert Herrera at No. 5.

The setback was ETSU's first loss since March 19 and snapped the team's 13-match win streak.

ETSU was making the program's ninth-consecutive appearance in the NCAA Championship, and 13th overall.

With their victory, the Hokies advanced to the tournament's second round and will take on No. 18 South Florida Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 p.m., in Blacksburg.