HOUGHTON, N.Y. – In a tightly contested matchup at the Kerr Pegula Field House , the Houghton University men's tennis team fell just short in a 4-3 decision against E8 rival Oswego on Friday afternoon. Despite several standout individual performances and a strong showing in doubles play, the Highlanders were unable to clinch the final point needed for the team victory.
Doubles Play
The Highlanders showed great resolve in doubles action, picking up a key victory in the middle of the lineup. The #2 doubles pair of Jason Murphy and Preston Tobolski secured a convincing 6-3 victory over Oswego's Cole Lyons and Cole Fleming.
While the Highlanders fought hard across the board, Oswego managed to take the remaining two doubles flights:
Singles Highlights
The singles competition saw Houghton athletes dig deep, forcing multiple three-set marathons and picking up three individual wins.
Eben Schilke provided one of the most thrilling matches of the day at #2 singles. After dropping the first set in a tiebreaker, Schilke roared back to take the second and third sets, ultimately defeating Colin Byer 6-7, 7-5, 6-1.
At #3 singles, Preston Tobolski continued his perfect day on the courts. Following his doubles win, he dominated his singles match against Jose Miguel Garcia with a straight-set 6-1, 6-1 victory.
Jason Murphy also secured a hard-fought comeback win at #6 singles. After dropping the opening set, Murphy battled through a grueling second and third set to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 against Duncan Baker to secure another point for the Highlanders.
Other notable efforts included Jonas Likens at #4 singles and Benjamin Unger at #5 singles, both of whom pushed their opponents to three sets before falling in closely contested finishes.
Next Match:
The Highlanders host St. John Fisher in an E8 match Saturday at 2 p.m.
