MEADVILLE, Pa. – After winning three matches in a row, the Franciscan University men's tennis team fell to Allegheny College, 8-1. The Barons had not played a match for 10 days and it was apparently difficult for them to shake off the rust in 30-degree weather.

“We try not to play too many matches when it is that cold,” head coach Jeremy Ellis said. “The ball bounces a little different and it is not the same feel. In tennis you need feeling in your hands and when they are numb it can be tough to control the ball.”

Ellis is preparing his squad for the toughest weekend to date as they prepare for away matches against AMCC rivals University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on April 6 and Penn State Behrend on April 7. Tonight's match served as an opening act for the Barons who are looking to contend for first place in their conference.

“We used this match to get back into form to prepare for Saturday and Sunday,” Ellis said. “Our guys are mentally tough and found a good rhythm against Allegheny and I'm expecting good results against our next two opponents.”

Freshman Zachary Quiza looked prepared for the weekend as he came out and got the solo win for the Barons in his singles match. After losing the first game 6-4, Quiza responded by blanking his opponent 6-0 and then winning the clinching match 10-4.

“He was really fun to watch,” Ellis said. “It took that first match to adjust to the cold but then he turned it on. It was awesome.”

The Barons will kick off their conference games starting with Pitt.-Bradford on April 6 at 1:00 pm.