STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - Franciscan University men's tennis team battled it out to the end against third-year foe, the University of Mount Union. The Mount Union Raiders beat the Barons 5-4, after hours of closely matched, intense gameplay.

"It all came down to the last match, where David Freytag played what was probably the match of his life," head coach Jeremy Ellis said. "He ended up losing it in 3 sets, but he played tremendously."

Freytag's battle brought the match to a total length of over four and a half hours. Ellis said that the Raiders are always a tough team to beat, but that it creates a great match full of important game experience for the Barons.

"This was our third year playing Mount Union and every time it's just a battle, so it's a lot of fun," Ellis said.

Seniors Paul Jarzynka and Leonel Lacayo started off the doubles matches strong, with an 8-1 win in their no. 1 doubles slot. Both players are adjusting to playing together as Jarzynka played no.1 doubles last season while Lacayo played no.2.

"We pulled out no. 1 doubles, which Paul and Leonel played, and they played great," Ellis said. "They had a great match and won it 8-1 pretty easily."

Jarzynka also held strong in his no. 1 singles slot, taking his opponent 6-1 and 6-3. Jarzynka is coming off a season where he was the AMCC Player of the Year and hung with the no.1 singles player for second ranked Kenyon College in the NCAA tournament.

The fall season is a chance for he and the rest of the Baron's to test themselves against high-level opponents.

"Paul Jarzynka just walked through his match playing no. 1," Ellis said. "He kept his guy out of rhythm and just played his game so that was great."

Next, the Barons will take on John Carroll University at Belleview Park on Sept. 28 at 2 pm.