Jacks drop conference opener...

Friday, March 23

Fort Wayne, Ind.

7:00 PM

South Dakota State University

IUPUI

3/24/2012 10:27:00 AM | Men's Tennis

By: SDSU Sports Info

The South Dakota State men's tennis team dropped its conference opener to IUPUI in Fort Wayne...

The Jacks, playing three meets in four days at Fort Wayne, could not overcome a tough losses in doubles competition, falling 5-1 to the Jaguars.

In doubles, Dominic Rossetto and Morgan Salo fought hard at No. 3, but were outlasted in a tiebreaker, 9-8 (7-4). At No. 1, Parker Lawley and James Thorp were edged by one break of service, 8-6.

"Our doubles teams played very well and we were able to stay aggressive for an entire doubles match, which carried positive energy over into singles," head coach Michael Engdahl said.

Singles was more of the same, as SDSU played some tight matches, but only earned one win.

James Thorp scored the team point with a third-set super tiebreaker victory at No. 4, 7-6 (9-7), 6-7 (4-7), 10-2.

"James Thorp certainly highlighted the night with a great win," said Engdahl. "He was able to battle through the ups and downs of a long match and beat a very good player."

Justin Pyle split sets at No. 1, but the match was unfinished due to a team decision being reached. Lawley played a close second set, but was bested in a tiebreaker.

"Tonight was by far the best energy and focus we had throughout an entire match," Engdahl said. "I thought everyone came ready to play and carried great energy every point. IUPUI is a solid team and even though we did not get the win, I think we gained some positive momentum as we continue conference play."

Complete results from today's meet are available at the beginning of this article.

The Jacks fall to 4-10 overall, 0-1 in the Summit League.

SDSU continues its stretch by facing host school IPFW at 2 p.m. on Saturday.