JOHNSON CITY, TENN. -
Despite its solid play, Appalachian State University men's tennis could not eek
out a win Saturday anight, as the Mountaineers fell just short to No. 49 East
Tennessee State, losing 5-2. With the loss the Apps drop to 1-2 on the season,
while the Highlanders improve to a stout 2-4.
In doubles action, all three pairs put up good battles, but
none of them were able to pull out a victory. Alain Humblet and Philip Kloc
dropped their match 8-6 at the No. 1 spot while Alex Markov and Sebastien King
fell by the same score at No. 2. Ezekiel Sansing and Andrew McKinnon lost 8-5
at the No. 3 position.
The highlight of the day for Appalachian was Markov
defeating Jesus Bandres, who is ranked 73rd in the nation in singles
play. The Bulgarian battled to win the match in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
At the number two spot, Humblet won the first set 7-6
against Grega Teraz, but lost the nest two 5-7, 2-6. Kloc also lost his match
at No. 3 to Charles Bottoni, 7-6, 6-0.
King grabbed an easy win at the No. 5 position as he walked
through Jorge Varon 6-1, 6-2.
McKinnon got defeated 6-4, 6-2 by Juan Ramirez at the No. 4
spot while Matt Saltsgaver dropped his match 6-2, 6-2 to Jeremy Bonnevalle.
Appalachian returns to action tomorrow at Deer Valley
Resort, as it plays host to Lees-McRae at 4 p.m.
#49 East Tennessee State 5, Appalachian State University 2
Singles competition
1.
Alex Markov (ASU) def. Jesus Bandres (ETSU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
2. Grega Teraz (ETSU) def.
Alain Humblet (ASU) 6-7, 7-5, 6-2
3. Charles Bottoni (ETSU) def.
Philip Kloc (ASU) 7-6, 6-0
4. Juan Ramirez (ETSU) def.
Andrew McKinnon (ASU) 6-4, 6-2
5.
Sebastien King (ASU) def. Jorge Varon (ETSU) 6-1, 6-2
6. Jeremy Bonnevalle (ETSU) def.
Matt Saltsgaver (ASU) 6-2, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. Teraz/Bottoni (ETSU) def. Humblet/Kloc (ASU) 8-6
2. Bandres/Sander Gille (ETSU) def. Markov/King (ASU) 8-6
3. Robin Akser/Ramirez (ETSU) def.
Ezekiel Sansing/McKinnon (ASU) 8-5
