JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Appalachian State University men's tennis (1-2) fell to ETSU (1-0) on Saturday morning Bristol Racquet Club.
Appalachian's tough start to the schedule continued against a Bucs squad that went to the NCAA Tournament last season and went undefeated in SoCon play including a conference title. Two of the first three opponents over the weekend for the Black and Gold combined to go 32-16 in 2017-18.
Highlighting the Apps' day was the freshmen tandem of
Zion Heaven and /Viana Afonso. The pair won their first collegiate doubles match with a 7-6 victory over Sergi Fontcuberta/David as the second duo in the book.
ETSU won the double point, but the Apps gave the hosts all they could handle.
Alex Brea/
Milo Bargeron fell to Frazier Rengifo/Yusuf Khamis, 6-3 before App tied up doubles.
Alex Pavkovich and
Bence Tamas took Juan Lugo and Chris Mikrovas to the distance but fell in a close 7-5 contest.
The Bucs carried the momentum into singles play, capturing all six matches. Bargeron at the one position went three sets with his counterpart, forcing a third frame after falling in the first set, but suffered the defeat in the third set.
Appalachian's schedule doesn't get easier, as it faces Clemson next Saturday, Jan. 26 on the road.
