MOUNT BERRY, Ga - The Berry College men's tennis team faced Jacksonville State University, a Division 1 program, for their start to the spring season. This team proved to be one of the toughest opponents that Berry has faced, but the men still produced excellent tennis. The senior first doubles team of Jake Chapman / Aiden Benoualid and second doubles Jace Goode / Xavier Deckard began strong by holding serve, thereby forcing their opponents to step up their game in 1-6 and 3-6 match scorelines, respectively. The new third doubles pairing of Bryce Lepine / Anderson Lambert will continue to develop throughout the season as a new doubles pairing despite their 0-6 loss.

Jake Chapman and Aiden Benoualid transitioned their doubles tempo into a strong start at first and sixth singles by holding service games and running down every ball. However, their opponents consistently stayed just a step ahead as they lost 2-6, 1-6 and 1-6, 2-6, respectively. Jace Goode at second singles mounted a second set comeback as he faced a very quick ball striker in his 0-6, 2-6 loss. Leo Nedkov and Xavier Deckard were pressured from the start in their 1-6, 0-6 losses at third and fifth singles, respectively, but showed shot-making talent and strong point construction. Anderson Lambert was one of the last matches to finish at fourth singles as he excelled at prolonging points and making his opponent earn the win,despite losing 0-6, 1-6.

The Berry men lost 0-7 to Jacksonville State University but were excited to face tough competition. The men will leverage this experience in their pursuit of the conference championship beginning just a few short months from now! The men will continue action at home on Friday, February 6 at 2:00 PM against Wallace State Community College Hanceville.