AVE MARIA, Fla. – Franciscan men's tennis got out to an early lead in doubles play before losing a couple of close singles matches and ultimately the overall match 6-3 against Ave Maria University.

The Barons started off well against their NAIA opponent, taking a 2-1 lead after doubles. The Quiza brothers, Zach and Joe, showcased their chemistry at no. 1 doubles, taking the match 8-4 and, at the time, setting a tone for the rest of the match.

They were supported by an 8-5 victory in no. 2 doubles by an inexperienced pairing of freshmen Mitchell Plys and Jarek Sulak. The two have been playing together all week because John Gallagher, Sulak's usual partner, was not able to travel to Florida with the team.

"Before the match I told our top four players that we needed them to come out playing big in doubles and all of them did," head coach Jeremy Ellis said. "They all played tremendous in doubles which is huge because no. 2 and no. 3 weren't playing with their usual partners. That just gives a lot of encouragement for future matches."

The momentum from doubles play didn't carry over to singles play as the Baron's superior chemistry gave way to the Gyrenes' individual ability. Freshman Connor Jooste was Franciscan's lone singles victor, taking no. 6 singles 6-3, 6-4.

Two more singles matches were nearly wins. Junior team captain, Zachary Quiza took no. 1 singles into a tiebreaker in the first set, but ultimately lost 6-7(6), 0-6, while Sulak nearly pulled out the day's longest match 3-6, 6-2, 4-6.

"All the guys who won or played tight matches played really well," Ellis said. "Particularly Zach Quiza who needed to build up his consistency. I told him, win or lose, it was beneficial for him. And Jarek played big and served amazingly well the whole time but got gassed at the end."

Weather played a big role in the match, not just in the heat, which led to exhaustion, but also in strong winds that affected the paths of the ball. Ellis said the wind provided a particularly tough adjustment because the team has to practice exclusively indoors in Ohio during this point of the season.

"Wind is a huge factor. We're used to playing indoors with no elements," Ellis said. "Staying hydrating and adjusting to the wind were pretty significant obstacles."

The match wraps up the team's time in Florida for spring training. Ellis said that the trip, regardless of wins or losses, was crucial to improve the team's chemistry with nine new members this year.

"This trip is the foundation of Franciscan men's tennis and it has done its job," Ellis said. "This week has been fabulous."

The team will return to Ohio to resume its schedule in the much colder elements as they take on Mount Union at home on March 16, at 3 pm.