SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.V. – The Juniata men's tennis team opened their spring season on the road at Division II Shepherd University but fell 5-2 against the Rams.
In doubles play, Axel Chabbert and Ezenna Emuka won by forfeit in third doubles, while Utsav Deravariya and Dillon Murphy dropped in second doubles as Shepherd bested them 6-1. Martin Munoz and William Michelson fell 6-2 in first doubles for the Eagles.
Emuka won by forfeit in sixth singles as Dhir Deravariya, and Michelson lost third (6-0, 6-0) and second (6-1, 6-1) singles respectfully. Munoz battled for the Eagles' lone singles win, beating his opponent 6-2, 6-2 in first singles. Murphy finished in fifth singles, losing 6-1, 6-1.
Head Coach Nick Margiasso says, "Definitely disappointed that we didn't translate all the work we've done on the practice court so far to the match court, but that starts and ends with me, so I need to do better getting my team ready. That said, season openers are always tough, and playing a division above us was always going to be a challenge. But that's our goal this season to continue to rise to the challenge, and I know the team will."
The Eagles travel to Hood this Friday, March 10, for a 2 p.m. match.
