GREENSBURG, Pa. -- The Mount Aloysius men's tennis program opened their spring schedule with a 2-5 loss to Saint Vincent (7-0, 0-0 PAC) this Friday, Feb 21. Freshman Stefano Gasasira (Silver Spring, Md., John F. Kennedy) would earn a straight set victory at one singles, while senior Matt Jacobs (Somerset, PA, Somerset) would tough out a three set win at three singles.

The Mounties would open the day with three doubles matches decided by net control. Despite back-and-forth point play from both programs, the Mounties would struggle against the pace production and quick poaches of the Bobcats, falling 2-6 at the top flight. Although two doubles would see the Mounties even on net control with their opponents, the visitors would stumble in execution at key points, also dropping the match 2-6. Three doubles would see the Mounties pushed back from the net altogether, with senior Hunter Reed (Shamokin, PA, Our Lady of Lourdes) and junior Trent Strous (New Columbia, Pa., Milton) unable to keep pace from the two back position, giving Saint Vincent the doubles sweep with a 1-6 set. 

Despite the doubles misfortune, the Mounties would put together a strong singles showing, led by Gasasira's efforts at the top flight. The freshman would control the match with his forehand, keeping the Bearcat firmly in the backhand corner while executing on key approaches. Saint Vincent would stall his progress with crackling body serves, but Gasasira would eventually find the timing, taking the match 6-3 6-1 to give the Mounties their first point. 

Jacobs would take longer to adjust after doubles. Saint Vincent would take the first set quickly at 6-1, finding success on down the line backhands and consistent forward pressure. Setting a new pace, Jacobs would slow the match down, defending the forehand wing while coming up with passing shots and drop shots to end long points. Taking the second set 6-2 to force a third, Jacobs would continue riding the momentum, scrambling on big points en route to a 6-1 third set victory. 

Mountie men's tennis looks to earn their first win of the spring next Friday, Feb 28, when they take on AMCC opponent Pitt-Greensburg in an away match. Pitt-Greensburg enters the contest 0-3 this year, coming off a 0-7 loss to Geneva in the fall.