MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Eastern Illinois men's tennis squad opened the season on Sunday, dropping a 6-1 match at Ball State.

Panther newcomer Kevin Bauman picked up the lone EIU win at No. 6 singles, defeating his Cardinal opponent in straight sets, including a close 7-6 tie breaker in the first frame.

Sophomore Michael Sperry dropped a tough three-set affair at No. 2 Singles, battling back from a first set deficit, tying the match with a 7-5 win in the second, but losing the third, 10-7.

Unfortunately, Eastern lost the remaining single matches in straight sets, while the Cardinals (2-1) also earned the all-important doubles point via a sweep of duo action.

The Panthers will return to the court this coming weekend, traveling to instate foe SIU-Edwardsville for a 3:30 pm match at the Edwardsville YMCA on Saturday (Jan. 29).

Ball State 6, Eastern Illinois 1
Sun., January 23, 2011
Muncie, Ind. YMCA

Singles
1. Dalton Albertin (BSU) def. Warren Race (EIU) - 6-1, 6-2
2. Cliff Morrison (BSU) def. Michael Sperry (EIU) - 6-2, 5-7, 10-7
3. Zane Smith (BSU) def. Matyas Hilgert (EIU) - 6-3, 6-4
4. Alexander Brym (BSU) def. Jamie Firth (EIU) - 6-0, 6-0
5. Derek Carpenter (BSU) def. Charlie Dryden (EIU) -6-1, 6-1
6. Kevin Bauman (EIU) def. Jon Wegener (BSU) - 7-6 (7-3), 6-2

Doubles
1. Z. Smith/Morrison (BSU) def. Hilgert/Firth (EIU) - 8-5
2. Albertin/Austin Smith (BSU) def. Sperry/Dryden (EIU) - 8-4
3. Shaun Bussert/Austin Sansone (BSU) def. Race/Bauman (EIU) - 8-4 

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID