Monarchs Win Close Games, Match vs. Netters

The men's tennis team lost their home opener to Methodist University on Saturday morning, 8-1. The Petrels lost three matches in the third set as the Monarchs capitalized by winning crucial points en route to the victory on Downing Howell Courts.

Methodist claimed the points they needed by winning five of the six singles matches, which were played first. Ethan Motz was bested 6-1, 7-6 (4) at No. 1 and Benjamin Hirsch fell at No. 2 in three sets, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Freshman Kirk Zhao was also topped in a three-setter when he succombed 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4 at No. 3. At No. 4, Rajiv Dinakaran secured the Petrels lone point by winning 6-1, 3-6, 1-0 (6). Craig Borne went down at No. 5 for Oglethorpe 6-3, 6-2 and Jeremiah Farmer lost at No. 6, 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 (6) to wrap up singles play.

The Petrels also had a tough go of it in the doubles competition that Methodist swept through as well. Motz and Chris Noonburg were topped 8-1 at No. 1 while the duo of Dinakaran and Zhao were felled 8-5 at No. 2. Hirsch and Borne combined at No. 3 to take their Monarch opponents to the limit before eventuially losing 9-7.

Complete match results listed below.

Oglethorpe is now 0-2 on the young season. The netters are back in action next Saturday when they face Huntingdon College.