HOUGHTON, Mich. — The Michigan Tech men's tennis team
suffered its first defeat of the season by a 5-4 score to Lake
Superior State at the Gates Tennis Center today. The Huskies,
playing without the services of its No. 3 singles/No. 1 doubles
player Douglas Yossida, fell to 2-1.
Tech trailed 2-1 after doubles. Chris Verhulst and Tim Viola
combined for an 8-2 win at No. 3.
The Huskies tried valiantly for the come back in singles. Brett
Girard (No. 1) and Verhulst (No. 5) were both straight set winners.
Alan Parenteau added a 4-6, 6-1, 1-0 (10-7) victory at No. 6.
Michigan Tech was a tiebreaker away from winning at either No. 3 or
No. 4. Ellefson won the first set before falling to Robert Nelson
2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-2. Viola lost his first set in a tiebreaker but
forced a third in a 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-1 decision.
"This was a disappointing loss," said head coach Mike Axford. "We
fought hard yesterday and today we just made easy mistakes when we
had chances to win points."
Michigan Tech will be off until its spring break trip to Orlando,
Fla., March 9-12.
