STEUBENVILLE, Ohio–Franciscan Men's Tennis team opened their season with tough competition against Baldwin Wallace University. While the Barons lost 0-9, this game and the remainder of the fall season guarantee to give FUS a catalyst of quick improvement to get ready for spring competition.

Head Coach Jeremy Ellis intentionally scheduled tougher squads to play against his team in order to loosen them up and find their rhythm on the court.

"I really want to get these guys ready for the spring," Ellis said. "We need to knock off the rust we accumulated over the summer. We don't want to worry about winning or losing right now."

Senior Captain Paul Jarzynka agreed with his coaches sentiments.

"We need to get on the court as much as possible," he said. "We have only been on the court for a few days and its hard to put out a good showing if we don't get acclimated to tough competition."

While is was a tough day for the Barons overall, Sophomore Zachary Quiza set the bar for his team after competing in his singles match that lasted over an hour. That match went down to three sets with Quiza losing the final set 3-6.

"Zach picked up from where he left off," Ellis said. "It always seems that the harder his competition is the harder he will play. I know later on in the season he will win his long matches."

For the first time in Baron history, The tennis team is coming in as the number one team in the AMCC. Ellis wants to make sure this season is a continuation of last rather than rebuilding a new contender.

"We are returning the majority of our players from last years team," Ellis said. "I couldn't be more excited to repeat."

Junior and number one tennis doubles member Brian Robau, was missing from the line up against the yellow jackets with an injury.

"It was hard playing without him," doubles partner Jarzynka said. "I cant wait for him to return. He is going to be a major part of our success this year."

The Barons next match will be a home match against Mount Union on Sept 20.