STEUBENVILLE – The Franciscan University of Steubenville Barons tennis team hosted the Penn State Behrend Lions Wednesday night, losing 8-1.  The Barons now stand 0-4 (0-3) within the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference this season.

Matt Alexander won the sole match for the Barons, defeating Behrend's Jake Fling 6-1, 3-6, 10-8 on the night.  “It was a game of consistency,” Alexander noted.  “I had to play hard and be consistent throughout the match, and that's what enabled me to get the win.  I had to make sure that I was running my swing all the way through each shot and taking no half-shots.  It was a hard-fought win.”

Nick Cundiff was competitive in his match – a 2-6, 4-6 loss to Kelly Manning, while Brad Mathisen lost to Jason Grosch 1-6, 2-6, Chris Cooper lost to Elliot Blackstone 1-6, 1-6, and Clark Thompson was swept by John Michalko 0-6, 0-6.

In doubles, Alexander and Cooper started with an aggressive edge, but it was not enough to topple Behrend.  “We started out well,” Cooper said.  “Then they started hitting all of their shots – they're a very talented team.  It's always tough in your first match after spring break, and this was no exception.  However, we're starting to find our rhythm, and the only way you can do that is by playing more and more competitive matches.”  Alexander and Cooper ultimately lost their match, 8-2.

“Behrend is the best team in the conference,” Barons head coach Curtis Allen remarked.  “We're still a little inexperienced, but we played well today.  We were in a lot of matches early on, but we just gave up a lot of points towards the end.  However, we're continuing to improve, and we'll use this experience to get better.”

The Barons' next match is at home this Friday against the University of Pitt-Greensburg Bobcats at 4 p.m.