Dukes Edged by the Phoenix, 4-3

Friday, April 6

Harrisonburg, Va.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

Elon

Photo by: Cathy Kushner/JMU Athletics Communications

4/6/2018 6:20:00 PM | Men's Tennis

Box Score

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss against Elon in Colonial Athletic Association men's tennis action on Friday afternoon at the Hillside Courts.

The Phoenix improved to 13-7 overall and 2-1 in CAA while the Dukes fell to 14-6 and 3-3.

Freshman Gonzalo Adis and sophomore Damon Roberts began doubles play at No. 3 with a 6-2 in over Elon's Taylor Foote and Camilo Ponce. JMU clinched the doubles point at No. 2 with a 6-2 victory from freshman Alvaro Arce and junior Pierre Kohler.

Leading 1-0 heading to singles play, Adis quickly extended the JMU lead with 7-6, 6-1 triumph at No. 6 over Elon's Jason Bickwell. Mario Paccini of Elon defeated sophomore Paul Mendoza at No. 1, 7-5, 6-2, to make it a 2-1 match.

At No. 5, Kohler took the first set 6-3, but Elon's Felipe Osses-Konig forced a third set with a 6-2 win. Kohler took control in the third, winning 6-3 to give the Dukes a 3-1 lead.

The Dukes picked up wins in set one at No. 2 and No. 3, before ultimately falling in three sets. With the match tied at 3-3, the match came down to No. 4 singles between Roberts and Elon's Ponce. Down one set, Roberts rallied for a 7-5 victory in the second, but fell 6-3 in the third to give the Phoenix the win.

QUOTING HEAD COACH STEVE SECORD
"I think the guys did a good job with the wind. We played solid in doubles against a team that is tough doubles wise, so getting that point put us in the right position for singles. It's frustrating and disappointing, but I think the guys realized that they have what it takes to put it together. Hopefully we can use this to make us hungry and finish out the conference strong."

UP NEXT
The Dukes will host Drexel on Friday, March 13 at 3 p.m. and Villanova on Saturday, April 14 at 3 p.m. for Senior Day. Senior Day activities will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Hillside Courts.