ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University men's tennis team suffered its first conference setback with a, 6-3, defeat to Catawba on Thursday afternoon at the AU Tennis Complex.

With the loss, Anderson slips to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play while Catawba improves to 4-2 and 1-0 in the SAC.

Anderson took a 2-1 advantage during the doubles portion when senior Nicolas Ascarrunz and freshman effrey Dayton (AU) defeated Michael Patch and Luca Picci (CAT) 8-4 at the No. 1 slot. No. 2 players senior Juan Carracedo and freshman Jerry Price (AU) battled hard in their, 8-6 win over Ryen Reid and Cason Hiers (CAT). Catawba's lone doubles point came from Lucas Miller's and Adam Rocko's (CATM) win over junior Ramiro Urreta and freshman Hank Sartain (AU) 8-3, at the No. 3 slot.

The Black and Gold were only able to gain one more point losing 5-of-6 singles matches. Carracedo defeated Miller, 6-0, 7-5.

Anderson returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Peach Belt opponent Young Harris. First serve is slated for 1 p.m.

Catawba 6, Anderson University 3

Singles competition

1. Michael Patch (CAT) def. Ignacio Bidegain (AU) 4-6, 6-2, 6-4

2. Luca Picci (CAT) def. Nicolas Ascarrunz (AU) 3-6, 7-6, 6-1

3. Juan Carracedo (AU) def. Lucas Miller (CAT) 6-0, 7-5

4. Ryen Reid (CAT) def. Jeffrey Dayton (AU) 7-5, 6-0

5. Cason Hiers (CAT) def. Ramiro Urreta (AU) 6-4, 6-0

6. Adam Rocko (CAT) def. Jerry Price (AU) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4

Doubles competition

1. Nicolas Ascarrunz/Jeffrey Dayton (AU) def. Michael Patch/Luca Picci (CAT) 8-4

2. Juan Carracedo/Jerry Price (AU) def. Ryen Reid/Cason Hiers (CAT) 8-6

3. Lucas Miller/Adam Rocko (CAT) def. Ramiro Urreta/Hank Sartain (AU) 8-3

Match Notes:

Catawba (4-2, 1-0 SAC)

Anderson University (4-2, 0-1 SAC)

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