While the men's tennis team came up short in its bid to upset Metropolitan State College on Sunday in Denver, the 5-4 loss to international and scholarship opponents left no doubt the Tigers will be a force to be reckoned with during the upcoming season.

 

Brian Thirkell and Evan Jonker earned CC's first point with an 8-5 victory at No. 2 doubles, but the Roadrunners took a one-point lead into the singles matches after posting 8-6 and 8-5 wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles, respectively.

 

Dan Solomon made an inspired return to the Tigers' lineup by coming from behind for a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory at No. 1 singles against Scott Bradley, a 6-foot-4 junior from Melbourne, Australia.

 

Nate Burt wasn't as fortunate in his collegiate debut at No. 2 singles. The first-year player won the first set, but Georgie Perez rallied to claim a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 decision.

 

“Dan Solomon eked out a tough win,” head coach Naren Clark said. “It was an impressive three-set battle. I was greatly impressed by Nate Burt's performance at number two singles. Nate displayed great talent and maturity on court during his three-set battle and will be a fun player to watch as the season progresses.”

 

The teams traded straight-set victories at No. 3 and No. 6 singles, where Sam Barnard posted a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Matt Ferrari, which meant Colorado College would need to win both remaining singles matches to pull off the upset.

 

Thomas Modern came from behind for a 7-5, 4-6, (10-8) win at No. 5 singles, but Ryan Campbell's 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 4 singles gave the victory to MSC.

 

“While it was slightly heartbreaking to fall by such a small margin, I could not have been more impressed with how we started the season,” Clark said. “Overall, I was extremely pleased with the level of tennis displayed by all of our players and am excited about the upcoming matches.”