The University of La Verne men’s tennis team split two matches after defeating Wisconsin-Oshkosh 5-4 on Thursday at the Claremont Tennis Club and losing to Chapman 7-2 on Friday in Orange.
La Verne (6-8) took a 2-1 edge into singles competition against Oshkosh (9-8) after winning two-of-three doubles contests. ULV claimed doubles No. 1 and 2 by scores of 8-3 and 8-6, respectively.
Needing to win three of the six singles matches, the Leopards did just that en route to their sixth win and second in a row. Senior Mario Backes claimed match No. 1 for the hosts after producing 7-6, 6-0 results over James Lewison.
At No. 3, freshman J.P. Arreglado experienced a tough match-up against Robbie Price. However, after suffering a 6-2 loss in set one, Arreglado bounced back to take the next two by scores of 6-2, 6-3 to grab the win. Junior Alex Muresan was the other Leopard to claim a singles battle, coming out on identical 6-2 scores past David Brown at No. 4.
Attempting to improve their winning-streak to three, the Leopards were denied of a triumph by Chapman. The Panthers claimed two-of-three doubles as the Leopards won doubles No. 2 behind junior Adrian Laygo and Backes’ effort of 8-4 over Tyler Martin and Peter Ianello.
The only Leopard singles competition win came at court No. 4 as Arreglado defeated Panther Wesley Nomi in three sets 6-7, 6-2, (10-7).
