STEUBENVLLE - Now 2-0 in conference play, the Franciscan men's tennis team defeated Mt. Aloysius College 8-1, in their last home match of the spring semester. The match also marked Senior Day for the Barons, and the team honored senior Isaac Mannella, as well as senior captain David Freytag.

After struggling to find momentum during their first six games, junior No. 1 doubles pair Jarek Sulak and John Gallagher won five-straight games, for the 8-3 victory. The tandem remains undefeated in conference play over three years.

No. 2 doubles duo junior Connor Jooste and sophomore RJ Watson rolled through their doubles pro set 8-0, behind Watson's unreturnable serves and Jooste's adept net game. Jooste and Watson have turned into a real threat at the No. 2 spot over the course of the spring season, providing consistent points since the season's onset.

At No. 3 doubles, Freytag and his freshman partner Jack Galla only surrendered a single game en route to an 8-1 doubles win. The duo has looked particularly impressive as of late, with match wins coming against quality opponents Ave Maria and Otterbein. Galla's overhead smashes solidified the victory.

After junior Dominic Clements and freshman Walter Matt finished off their opponents in an exhibition doubles match, singles matches filled the courts. Gallagher again found himself off to a slow start, tied 3-3 in the first set, before he won 9 straight games to put his No. 2 singles opponent away 6-3, 6-0.

A court to the right, Sulak finished off his No. 1 singles opponent in a match faster than Gallagher's; the junior dropped only a game in his match before walking away with a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

Jooste's opponent struggled to return the Baron's quick serve for the entirety of their No. 5 singles match. The Franciscan junior's groundstrokes simply outlasted Mt. Aloysius' efforts. After a highly contested beginning to the second set, Jooste pulled away behind two clutch service breaks, and took his match 6-3, 6-2.

At No. 3 singles, Freytag quickly took his opponent out of the match, finding ample enthusiasm to match his aggressive style of play. The senior dialed up consistent groundstrokes to the corners of his opponent's court, before finishing several key points at the net, courtesy of angled volley winners. His 6-0, 6-2 victory characterizes a season that for the senior is marked by exemplary leadership on and off the court.

Watson quickly ensured that his No. 4 singles match would look nothing like the upset his opponent hoped for. The Baron whipped wicked serves deep into his opponent's box, losing only two total games during a dominant two sets. Watson, undefeated in conference play, is showing patience on second serves and blistering speed between shots, all of which will drive this team in their pursuit of their fifth consecutive AMCC title.

Isaac Mannella's No. 6 singles match witnessed to the senior's dedication over the course of the past four years. Though he lost the match 6-0, 6-0, the Baron walked onto and off of the court with a smile, a testament to the dynamic which he brings to this quickly maturing squad.

After the hard-fought win, head coach Scott Greve was adamant that the team would miss both Mannella and Freytag, taking a moment to describe each as a respectively honorable, dignified athlete. He again congratulated the Barons on two dynamic weekend wins.

The Barons next face conference opponent Pitt.-Greensburg on March 31 on the road.